WASHINGTON — A bright light has gone out in the universe. Susan G. ‘Lily’ Veillette, 76, died in her sleep in the early morning hours of March 5, 2024, at her home. We will miss her bright star.

Born July 10, 1947, in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the daughter of John and Essie Bunn Thorelius. She was raised in Norfolk, Virginia and North Carolina, and lived many years in Hampton, Virginia.

She moved to Maine in 1987 with her four children. She and her husband, John Bowman, made their home in Washington, Maine.

Over the years, Lily had a diverse career, holding many roles, but was most proud of her work as a Bah′a’i minister.

She loved being with people, especially her family. Her children, adopted family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always her priority. She enjoyed going to flea markets to find interior design elements, using her sewing skills to make dresses for her daughters, gardening, and organizing family picnics were just some of her many interests.

While living in Washington State in 1989, she packed up her children for a day trip to Oregon to find the “Goonies” house in Astoria. She drove hours to find this house because she had watched the movie several times with her children and knew this would be a fun adventure. She asked the tollbooth worker where the Goonies lived and was met with a perplexed look - but it made her children laugh. She would say outrageous things with a serious voice just to bring a smile to your face and look at you with a gleam in her eye and see if you caught what she said.

Her family was her number one priority, and she would do whatever was needed to make them happy. She was a true people person and was often called ‘Aunt Sue’ by children in her life. She had a great sense of humor and
was a creative storyteller. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved kitty, Sugar, who passed away just a month ago.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her. We love you way past all the skies!!!

Lily is survived by her husband, John Bowman of Washington; her children, Michelle Morgan and her wife Susan of Portland, Angela Eastman and her husband Jeffrey of Rockland, Rachael MacNair and her husband Sean of Bangor, and William Veillette, Jr. and his wife Bri of Gray; Barbara Buchstaber and her husband David of Stetson who were like children to her; her grandchildren, Alec Blackington, Aidan McCormick, and Shana Garr, her great-grandchildren, Mavrick Blackington, Magnus Blackington, Tommy Garr, Allie, Dax and Boden.

Predeceased by her best friends Grace Felton and Sandy Halkett; and her kitty, Sugar.

A celebration of Lily’s life will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory or condolence with her family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bhcfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.