BUCKSPORT – Virginia “Ginnie” F. Dow, 85, passed away April 17, 2011, surrounded by family at Penobscot Nursing Home, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born April 17, 1926, in Bangor, the daughter of Frank and June (Richardson) Franklin.
She graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1944. After graduation she went to work for Palmer Shoe Co. and then Easter Fine Paper Co. While raising her growing family, she was employed by Kelley Pontiac, Bangor, and later enjoyed working at Jed Prouty Tavern, Bucksport. She was a longtime member of American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 93 and a member of Past Presidents’ Parley. Ginnie loved her large family, knitting, gardening, cooking, reading and bird watching. She will be missed by her family and her dear, devoted friend, Madeline Sweet.
She is survived by her sister, Betty Shibles of Orrington; her six children, Linda LaPree and partner, John Caruso, of Brewer, Edward Belcher and wife, Janice, of Bucksport, Alan Belcher of Wilton, N.H., Leanna Compo and husband, Richard, of Garland, Kelley Tweedie and husband, David, of Orland and Kathryn Oldfield and husband, Paul, of Bangor; 11 grandchildren, Ellen White, Gerry Potts Jr. and Patricia Stevens, Carrie Rector and Matthew Belcher, Angela Cozart, Tara and Adam Tweedie, Gabriel, Elizabeth and Olivia Oldfield; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a nephew, Jeffrey E. Jones; her husband, Paul S. Dow; and a grandson, Jeffrey S. Jones. Her family thanks the wonderful staff at Hancock County Hospice and Penobscot Nursing Home. A special thanks to Judy Marinelli, R.N.; Linda Closson, H.H.A; Dr. Biswas; Vicky Wardwell, R.N.; and Rhonda Morrow, R.N.
A celebration of Ginnie’s life will be held at a date to be announced later. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Bucksport.