LUBEC – Gabriel A. Lowery, 31, died Oct. 15, 2006, in his wife’s arms, surrounded by family and friends, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, from complications of cystic fibrosis. He was born Jan. 5, 1975, in Cambridge, Mass., the son of Marilyn Alexa and Michael Lowery. Gabriel attended Mount View High School and Unity College. He was a 1998 suma cum laude graduate of the University of Maine’s Honors Program, where he majored in elementary education with a concentration in science. He was pursuing a masters in adult education via the University of Southern Maine. He was employed by the Lubec school system, starting as a second grade teacher in 1998, where he also served as migrant education teacher, Gear-Up advisor, and gifted and talented coordinator. As his disease progressed, he left the classroom to become director of adult education, a position he held at the time of his passing. Gabe was also a gifted multi-instrumental musician, prolific songwriter, music instructor and recording artist, and founder of Truegoat Records and Recording. Among its releases are his original works, “Songs From the Years,” 2000; “Melancholy Melodies,” 2004; “Music from the Porch,” 2005 as model view controller with Rafe Hopkins, Arielle Raff, Heron Weston, Anthony Viselli and Phil Avery; and “Rogue Horse,” 2005 as r.e. bell with Rachel Bell, Sam Furth, Aaron Bell and Alan Cook. He had also played in styles that ranged from folk and bluegrass to rock and jazz – with many other groups from Waldo to Washington counties, including Animal 56, with Nik Cody, Elizabeth Anderson, Phil Avery and Lucas Viselli. Gabe greatly enjoyed playing with friends, including John and Terry Viselli, Barbara Lapham, Steve Mahoney, Russ Warne, Ezra Rugg, Stevie Wickham and many other local musicians. Gabe was also a talented artist and instrument-maker. Gabriel is survived by his wife, Shyla Bliss Yerxa; mother, Marilyn Alexa and her partner, Jim Dorchester; brother, Mason Thomas Lowery and his wife, Kelly; father, Michael Lowery; maternal grandparents, Frederick and Patricia Alexa; paternal grandparents, Ruth and Jacob Siegmund; uncle, John Alexa and wife, AnneMarie; uncle, Tom Alexa and wife, Debbie; uncle, Bobby Alexa and wife, Peggy; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Anderson and partner, Anthony Viselli; brother-in-law, Terrell Anderson; sister-in-law, Nicolette Willow Yerxa and partner, Stephen Berry; father-in-law, William “Bo” Yerxa and fiance, Teresa Gregory; mother-in-law, Melissa Thurlow Yerxa and partner, Steve Hendershot; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many special friends. A memorial service and celebration of Gabriel’s life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Congregational Church, Lubec.
GABRIEL ALEXA LOWERY
