1926 – 2016

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Elizabeth “Trudy” Rowell, 89, of Vero Beach, Fla., died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 3, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fla.

She was born in Abbott on April 21, 1926, and was the youngest of four daughters of James and Mary Walker.

Trudy began her career as a telephone receptionist at New England Telephone and Telegraph during her high school years and graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1944. In August 1947, she married Walter W. Rowell Jr. of East Madison. They had two daughters.

After moving to Auburn in 1959, in addition to being an amazing homemaker and loving mother, she was employed as a receptionist at Peck’s Department Store, Pepperell Mill, Commonwealth Shoe and Matthews Machinery. She retired from Matthews Machinery in 1995 after 17 years of dedicated service. Upon retirement, she moved to Charlotte, N.C., and then to Vero Beach, Fla., to be close to her two grandchildren. Among her favorite pastimes were baking, sewing, reading, embroidery and, most of all, she enjoyed a good game of cards.

Trudy is survived by her daughters, Linda M. Whitman of Oxford and Carol Rowell-Johnson of Vero Beach, Fla.; two grandchildren, Kari E. Johnson of Vero Beach, Fla., and Taylor M. Johnson of Jupiter, Fla.; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Mildred Cray, Dorothy Casey and Margaret Burnham.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Orchid Island Manor Assisted Living and VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fla., for their exceptional care and compassion.

Memorial condolences may be expressed at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.