Elva Joan Fowler

Elva Joan Rolfe Fowler, beloved wife, loving mother, most awesome Mimi, and trusted friend passed away October 20, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Elva was born in Sebago Maine on October 17th, 1943. The middle child of nine born to Jordan and Julia Rolfe. She married Kenneth Fowler in 1961; they moved to Albany NH and then to Silver Lake NH where they raised their three daughters. Ken and Elva made a good life for their girls living on the lake. Summers were filled with swimming, fishing and gardening, winters ice fishing on the frozen lake.

Over the years she and Ken did many different projects together and she learned to handle most tools like a pro. There wasn't much she couldn't figure out how to fix. She was a homemaker, a house cleaner, a girl scout leader, an upholsterer, a member of the Madison Church, and a member of the Madison Momma’s along with three of her best friends. She had a green thumb that could grow a bountiful garden, or beautiful flowers out of a pile of dirt. Elva enjoyed camping and going to Blue Grass festivals with Ken, later with Donna and Jr. She was an avid card player, and she would playfully "cheat". It earned her quite a reputation among her grandchildren.
Together Ken and Elva created The Wednesday Night Gang. Every Wednesday night, for years, scores of musicians and music lovers would gather in their Silver Lake home to enjoy bluegrass music, camaraderie and good friends.

After Ken’s passing in 1999, Elva was alone for several years. Good fortune smiled on her and she eventually found love again with Glen Thibedeau. They were very happy together working Glens’ steers and showing them each year at the Fryeburg Fair. Sadly Glen passed away in 2010.

Finding herself alone again, Elva moved to Green Briar Court in Conway, where she became friends with most of the residents there. To some she was a companion, or a care giver, or a handyperson or to some, a willing accomplice.

Elva was devoted to her family and her friends, always willing to lend a shoulder, an ear, a hand, share her solid advice, or a good laugh. She was a true friend, a trusted confidant, she was as truehearted as they come and, on occasion, when she deemed it fitting, she could have a mouth like a sailor.

Elva was woman of morals, and she leaves a legacy of love, kindness, loyalty, and strength. (and a few interesting choice phrases.)

She was our Mother, and we love her dearly, she is greatly missed.

She is pre-deceased by her husband Kenneth, her grandson Russell Kohrs, five lovely sisters and two brothers. She leaves behind her sister Nancy Ridlon of Bridgeton Maine, daughters Lisa Chisholm and her husband Bobby of Madison NH., Donna Fallen and her husband Jr of Conway NH., and Mary Beth Cox of Buchannan VA. Seven well-loved grandchildren, Kenneth Fowler, Lloyd Bridges, Jordan Fallen, Emily Elliot, Todd Cox, Michael Cox, and Kayla Brackett, as well as 17 adored great grandchildren.

We would like to take this opportunity to say our heartfelt Thank You So Very, Very Much to the entire staff at The Merriman House. You were all so kind and compassionate, You all made a very tough family situation a lot less difficult, and we are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Merriman House.
There will be a celebration of Elva’s life in the Spring.

The Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes of Wolfeboro and West Ossipee, NH are assisting the family with the arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolences or for more information go to: baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com