Edith I. Gowen

Edith Inez Hayden Carver Gowen, 92, of Westbrook, went home to be with the Lord Friday, December 14, 2012. She was the youngest daughter Neil and Clara (Spiller) Hayden and graduated from Gorham High School in 1937. She was married to Kenneth Carver 27 years and raised five children. Edith was an active member of the Little Falls Baptist Church in South Windham and the First Baptist Church in Westbrook. She worked at the S.D. Warren Paper Co. for many years. She later married Milton Gowen and retired from the mill. She enjoyed camping, fishing, canoeing, and traveling with Milton, she also spent much of her time flower gardening. Her spiritual life was spent witnessing to others of the Christian precepts of the Bible. She served on many church committees, including editor of its paper. She enjoyed leading the childrenâ€™s groups and craft clubs, providing weekly flower arrangements for the Sunday services, and running a free clothes distribution shop at the church for 10 years. She was inspired by her friend Mary to write a book called â€œConquering Adversity with Love and Hope.â€ In her spare time Edith made 32 patchwork quilts. Throughout her life she wrote stories, poetry, books, and developed craft ideas for children. She was predeceased by sisters Ethlyn Irving, Gladys Holmes, and Rose Irving; brothers Charles and John Hayden; sons John and Kenneth Carver; grandchildren Laura Gilbert and Damon Ward. She is survived by her husband Milton Gowen; children Betty Adair of Gentry AK, Lloyd Carver of Colcord OK, and Judy Gowen of Standish, ME; 17 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Westbrook. On line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com. Edith wished to acknowledge the many acts of kindness shown to her over the years by friends and neighbors who came to her assistance in her hour of need. The family also would like to express their gratitude to those who helped. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.