CAMDEN — Jean-Louise (Peterson) Knowlton, 79, passed away peacefully Jan. 24, 2015, at Sussman Hospice House in Rockport after a lengthy illness.

Jean was born July 4, 1935, in North Uxbridge, Mass., to Grace Jansen Peterson. She was the only girl and the youngest of four children. Jean graduated from Vinalhaven High School in 1953 and married Ralph Owen Knowlton that December. They celebrated their 61st anniversary last month.

She is survived by her husband; a brother, Robert Charles Peterson of Spring Valley, Calif.; her daughter, Donna Elaine Knowlton of Camden; her "daughter" Edna Barrett; her son-in-law, Patrick Mahan; her granddaughters, Lisa Marie Sposta and Meagan Elizabeth Bucheister; her great-grandchildren, Aiden Tyler, Parker Joseph, Camden Shawn, Rory Jane and Tessa Rose, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was predeceased by her son, Eugene Bradford Knowlton; and her granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth.

Jean was an active member of the Camden community in many roles: Scout leader, Camden First Aid Association and police matron, and she worked at Beloin's Motel for over 30 years. She was especially good at math, working during tax season for her friend, Hazel Eaton.

Her true passion was her music. She was active in the Coastal Choral Society, the Schooner Belles Barbershop Chorus and Quartet Society and the First Congregational Church UCC of Camden Choir, for which she was the music librarian since 1966. She adored her grandchildren and her extended family and was a true animal lover.

Jean and Ralph were members of a “Monday Lunch Bunch” and were extremely social throughout their life together. Whether you were her best friend of 50 years, Viola Richardson of Hope, or a recent neighbor, Jean made sure that you knew you were special to her. To know her was, truly, to love her.

She came in on a firecracker; she went out riding an epic blizzard......we give her a week to take over heaven.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St. in Camden. The funeral service will be held Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Kevin Pleas officiating at the Rockport Masonic Center, 361 Main St. Rockport. Interment will be in the Spring at Oak Hill Cemetery in Camden.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made in her memory to: Shriner's Hospital for Children Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 or in her mother's name to: Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, 499 Broadway PMB 362, Bangor, ME 04401.