WESTBROOK- Ethel Blanchard Knowles, 97, formerly of Westbrook, died peacefully at the Gosnell Hospice House on September 12, 2017. She was born on July 9, 1920, a daughter of Waldo and Harritte (Reed) Hawkes. One of twelve children, Ethel grew up on a farm in Falmouth and was a graduate of Falmouth High School. On June 27, 1940, she married Irving R. Knowles. Together they made their home on Rochester Street in Westbrook. They shared 76 years of marriage until Irving's death in March of 2017. Ethel was a long-time member of the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church where she was an active member of the Women's Fellowship. Ethel enjoyed working in her vegetable gardens, sewing, and was famous for her apple pies. Ethel is survived by her children, Judy Violette and her husband, Bruce of Buxton, and Irving Knowles Jr. of Windham; sisters Edna Whitney of Florida and Aubine Quirion of Gorham;  four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. A visiting hour will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 10am to 11am with a funeral service starting at 11 at the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St., Westbrook, ME 04092. Burial will take place on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 9:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery, Westbrook.   To express condolences or participate in Ethel's online tribute, please visit www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.