MORRILL — Elsie I. Bowen, 95, of Morrill, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Dec. 14, 2015, in the presence of her much-loved nieces at Harbor Hill in Belfast. Elsie was born Nov. 24, 1920, the third of 11 children born to Ernest and Flora (Knowlton) Bowen.

Following her graduation from Crosby High School in Belfast, Elsie proceeded to follow a career path that involved her devoting decades of labor as a dedicated Maine state employee. She began her career as a secretary in the Department of Education. The skills and proficiency she demonstrated early on in her career were recognized, and she found herself working in the executive branch of Maine's state government, first as secretary to Gov. Burton Cross and then in succession, as secretary to Govs. Edmund Muskie, Robert Haskell, Clinton Clauson, John Reed, Kenneth Curtis and James Longley — a total of seven governors. Her professional and courteous demeanor allowed her to successfully navigate among legislators of varying political persuasions. She was highly respected by all with whom she had contact in the State House.

Following her retirement from state government, Elsie briefly experienced life as a retiree. However, she was soon convinced by then-Secretary of State Rodney Quinn to return to state government, this time in the position of Deputy Secretary of State, a position she enjoyed for several more years. When she finally made the decision to retire, she continued to question whether it was the right choice as she felt there may have been more she could have contributed to state government.

Retirement allowed Elsie, who was always attentive to her family, to devote even more focus upon meeting any need, big or small, toward which she could lend her support. She played a significant role in ensuring her younger brothers and sisters, as well as her nieces and nephews, had every opportunity to enrich their lives through educational, vocational and recreational pursuits. She was a mentor, a supporter and a champion of any initiative that one of her family members aspired to achieve. When the next generation of great-nieces and nephews arrived on scene, Aunt Elsie became even more focused and energized upon identifying, encouraging and supporting any enrichment activity in which she saw these young ones take an interest.

Elsie loved not only her family, but also the birthplace that was so much a part of the Bowen heritage and character. The home and farm personify the values that led the Bowen children to follow paths as committed and inspirational educators, as civil servants in government positions, both in state and federal positions, as homemakers, as soldiers, as foresters and as farmers. The big pine tree, the largest pine tree in the state of Maine, which stands watch over the homestead, symbolizes the pride that each member of the Bowen family feels in being part of this honest, humble and hard-working Maine family. Elsie took very seriously her role as the keeper of this Bowen heritage. She was fierce in her protection of the Bowen land, with its 100-year-old pine grove, the old apple orchards, the pastures, the barn and the farmhouse.

Elsie had many pleasures, including working in her vegetable garden and sharing her bountiful harvest with her many family members. She fed the birds that congregated at her feeders. She loved sitting outside in her swing in later years and watching over her beloved farm.

To her great regret, Elsie's health in the last few years required her to rely upon her younger family members to assist her in remaining in her home. Eventually her care needs required her to move into Harbor Hill, where her family continued to play a very active role in her care.

The family expresses deep gratitude to staff at Harbor Hill for making Elsie's days there comfortable and safe. The family is forever indebted to Elsie's nieces, Lori Bowen Littlefield, Gail Bowen Allen and Jane Bowen Richard, who ensured her needs were consistently met. Their exceptional devotion to their beloved aunt is a testimony to the significance of Elsie's lifelong commitment to her family.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents; by her sisters, Phyllis, Marion and Etta Cummings; by her brothers, Laurence, Andrew, Daniel and Carl; by her nephew, John; and by her dear friend and companion, Mike Cilley. She is survived by her sisters, Dorothy (Stanley) Wood and Lois Overlock; by her brother, Phil Bowen and his wife, Joan; by her dear sister-in-law, Edna Bowen Morrison and her husband, John; by her 12 nieces and nephews; by her many great-nieces and great-nephews; and by her many friends.

All are invited to a memorial service to honor the life of Elsie Bowen on Friday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Morrill Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Culbertson officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.