Jane Lorraine Gowell
A beloved resident of Kinney Shores and a woman who always took care of everyone around her
The Kinney Shores Association mourns the passing of Jane Lorraine Gowell, 91, of Saco, Maine, who passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, surrounded by her family.
Jane was born on October 25, 1933, in Lewiston, Maine, and was raised in Auburn, where she graduated from Edward Little High School in 1953. She grew up in a French-speaking household and was incredibly proud of her French heritage. After spending many summers in Old Orchard Beach, Jane eventually made Saco her home, purchasing a house in the Ferry Beach area as well as Kinney Shores, where she resided with her family and helped take care of her granddaughter, Amanda.
A dedicated homemaker, Jane always made sure everyone in her life was well taken care of. She loved preparing meals and sending everyone home with snacks, always thinking of others. One of her favorite pastimes was sending thoughtful cards and writing long handwritten letters — a reflection of her deep care for those she loved.
Jane had a remarkable career. She worked for the company her father founded, L and A Heel in Lewiston, before spending many years as the secretary for the Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department. She owned and operated her own at-home poodle grooming salon and continued to work right up until her 91st birthday. She and her son-in-law also opened and operated the Waters Edge Restaurant in downtown Auburn. In her final years of professional life, she worked at Jimmy's Restaurant in Auburn and the Village Inn in Old Orchard Beach.
Jane took great pride and showed enormous tenacity in everything she did, living by the philosophy that "life goes on, you must do what you have to do" — an attitude that guided her through all of life's challenges. As three generations of only children, her bond with her daughter and granddaughter was rare and extremely special.
Jane is survived by her daughter, Deborah A. Powers (née Gowell) and her husband, Gregory R. Powers of Saco; her granddaughter, Amanda J. Powers of Lyman; her nieces, Judy Gosselin of Scarborough and Elizabeth "Betsy" Vallee of Auburn; and their mother, Mary Gowell of Auburn.
The Kinney Shores Association extends its deepest condolences to Deborah, Greg, Amanda, and the entire Gowell family. Jane's warmth, her tenacity, and her tireless care for others made her a true presence in this community. She is greatly missed.