Virginia Lorraine (Whynott) Dow Obituary (1922 - 2018)

ALBION, ME--Virginia Lorraine (Whynott) Dow, 96, longtime Albion, ME resident, died on December 30, 2018 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, ME following a brief hospitalization. She was surrounded by her large extended family as she anticipated moving, in her words, “into the open arms of God.” Virginia was born on October 1, 1922, in Portland, Maine. She settled in Albion where she attended Besse High School. She married Ervin S. Dow on November 5, 1940, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage before she was widowed in 2008. At various times Virginia held employment at the local school lunch program, and at the Albion Creamery. Virginia and Ervin established a home on the East Benton Road in Albion, where she was mother to four children. Her love and support enabled all of her children to continue their educations beyond Besse High, and she and Ervin were so proud to attend each of their college graduations. Her neighbors during the 64 years that she lived on the East Benton Road became cherished friends. Virginia made certain that everyone in her family had a “Grammie Dow Quilt”, and these are treasured by all. She kept her fingers busy knitting and crocheting, and her biscuits and donuts were wonderful. She often sent visitors home with gifts of jams or pickles. Virginia loved her flower garden, and would often be found outside gardening. Her loving and giving nature touched everyone who knew her. She and Ervin enjoyed traveling with family members and friends to many sites throughout Maine and the northeastern U.S., as well as to Nova Scotia, Florida, Alaska, and Arizona. Virginia had been deeply involved in her community through PTA, Albion Fire Department Auxiliary, as a member of the Albion Christian Church, Rebekah Lodge of IOOF, Grange, and as a life member of the Albion Historical Society. In her later years Virginia lived at Meadow By The Brook apartments in Albion, ME, then she received superlative care in the home of her daughter Pearle and son-in-law Jack Brake in Clinton, ME. Virginia came to need the excellent care and loving services of Woodlands Senior Living facility in Waterville, ME. She also received compassionate care from the staff at Lakewood Continuing Care and at MaineGeneral Health. Virginia is survived by her four children and their families: E. Scott & Sharon Dow of Augusta, ME and their family (Peter & Stacey Dow and Parker; and Sarah Dow-Shedlarski & Brian Shedlarski and Ava and Garrett), Leonard & Donna Dow of Albion, ME and their family (Jody & Michael Watson and family, Rachel Watson & Elliot Heeschen and Katherine & Doug Medina; and Todd & Amanda Dow and family, Kayla & Brock Lawrence and their family, Cole and Cade; Curtis Dow & Lexie Austin and their family, Kamdyn, Owen, and Camilla; and Christopher Dow), Phillip & Janet Dow of Albion, ME and their family (Phillip Jr & Rose Dow and their family, Phillip III, Marissa, Jacob and Brittany; Jason & Heidi Dow and their family, Gabrielle, Joshua, Kelly, and Hannah; Matthew & Amy Dow and their family, Matthew II, Delaney, Emma, and Rachel; Andrew & Mary Dow and their family, Faith, Charity, Grace, and Andrew II; Timothy & Nicole Dow and Timothy Jr.), Pearle & Jack Brake of Clinton, ME and their family (Tammy & Al Whittaker and their family, Hannah and Leah; Marie & Dean Hirayama and Justin; Timothy & Lisa Alberts and their family, Ashley & Skylar Lindsay, and Kristen). A gathering of Remembrance and Celebration of Virginia’s life will be held at the Besse Building on Main Street in Albion, ME on Saturday, January 5 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, ME An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com The family suggests that memorial donations be offered to Loaves and Fishes, Albion Food Pantry, 123 Benton Road, Albion, ME 04910 or to Albion Public Library, 18 Main St, Albion, ME 04910.