NORWAY — Verna M. Brown, 79, died July 30, 2015, at Market Square Health Care Center after an extended illness.

Born in South Thomaston on Dec. 5, 1935, she was the daughter of James and Gertrude Record Torrey. She was educated in local schools.

Throughout her career, Verna worked as a waitress and cook in various restaurants, and later as a nurse’s aide. She was a devoted homemaker.

For several years, she enjoyed volunteering her time helping children read at the Guy E. Rowe Elementary School in Norway. In earlier years she took great pleasure in expressing her artistic ability, painting in oils.

In addition to her parents, Verna was predeceased by one son, Richard Hamilton; a daughter, Dawn Hamilton; and a sister, Linda Cole. She is survived by one son, James Dowling of New Hampshire; seven daughters, Barrie Michelle Dowling of Norway, Debra Davenport of West Paris, Diana Hamilton of Fitchburg, Mass., Dale Hamilton of New Hampshire, Cynthia Dowling of Pennsylvania, Paula Dowling of Hawaii and Janet Hill of Florida; one sister, Carol Grey of Rockland; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, Aug. 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate. Interment will follow in Village Cemetery in South Thomaston.