Elizabeth “Betty” Fowler

WATERVILLE – Elizabeth “Betty” Fowler, 89, passed away peacefully to join her beloved husband, Leon, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at Woodlands Assisted Living of Waterville. She was the daughter of Richard D. Nawfel and Maria (Barakat) Nawfel.

Betty was born on August 6, 1935, in Waterville, to Lebanese immigrants. She grew up in the Elm City on Main Street and graduated from Waterville High School in 1953. After her father’s sudden death during her senior year, Betty remained in Waterville with her mother, working for her brother at his dental office and as an operator with the telephone company.

In her early twenties, Betty started working at Sears Roebuck and Co. where she met her future husband and soulmate, Leon, of over 65 years. After starting their family, Betty chose to stay home to raise their children. She was an exceptional mother and manager of the family household. Once her children were in school she re-entered her career at Sears, where she excelled in sales.

Betty was a good cook and a great baker, always having homemade desserts on the counter and passing-on Lebanese traditions such as making stuffed cabbage rolls and Easter cookies with her family. She enjoyed sewing and knitting as well as many arts and crafts. She played piano and was a beautiful dancer, turning heads with her husband Leon whenever they took to the dance floor. Betty loved anything active and was an athlete ahead of her time. She was in the Girls Athletic Association in high school and excelled in racquetball and tennis in adulthood. She was a ‘ringer’ in horseshoes and a fierce competitor who was very involved with her children’s sports and activities. An avid sports fan, she loved watching the Olympics and the professional tennis circuit.

With love, respect and leading by example Betty and Leon raised their three children and taught them many life skills. Betty cherished family most of all. From weekly and impromptu visits with extended family, birthday parties and holiday gatherings, she loved them all. She enjoyed time both at Lovejoy Pond, and later at Messalonskee Lake. Some of her favorite activities were canoeing, nature walks and picnics, playing cards and enjoying our family pets. Betty adored her only granddaughter, Ariele, who brought many years of happiness to her ‘Sitto’.

Betty is survived by her son, Edgar Fowler and wife Sharon, daughters, Michelle Fowler and partner Debra Strout, Tonya Fowler; granddaughter, Ariele (Fowler) Battipaglia and husband Paul; sister-in-law, Linda Vitale and husband Vite, brother-in-law, Beasley Edwards; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Richard and Maria Nawfel; Leon, her husband of 64 years; her siblings Elias Richard Nawfel, D.M.D. (Jamila); sisters Sumayah (David) Ferris, Julie (Beshara) Saliba, Lorice Franklin, Dolores (Michael D.M.D.) Nawfel and Helen Edwards.

The family would especially like to thank the many wonderful in-home caregivers, the attentive Woodlands Assisted Living care providers, and the fabulous Beacon Hospice staff for their comfort and support.

An informal graveside burial of Leon and Betty Fowler will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Albion. A dual celebration of their lives will be at 12 noon at the Lodge, Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney, Maine.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and for those who would like to make a donation in Leon and Betty’s name, you are welcome to consider:

Humane Society of Waterville Area https://hswa.org or:

Friends of Messalonskee https://friendsofmessalonskee.com