Carolyn Maxine Chown

Carolyn Maxine Chown, 66, of 11 Moon Circle, died Thursday, February 03, 2005 surrounded by her family at home following a three-year battle with breast cancer. Born October 16, 1938 in Haverhill, MA, daughter of James and Glenna (Blackden) Tobin, Carol dedicated her life to the things she loved most--her family and friends. A graduate of Merrimac High School (1956) she went on to work for Haverhill National Bank. She married her first husband, Fred Holmes, in 1960 and started a family in 1963. They lived in Norfolk, VA, Manchester CT and Lowell, MA. She worked in a bank in Hartford, CT for four years and then went on to work at Security National savings bank in Lowell, MA where she retired as Assistant Manager.In 1986 she married Roger Chown, her husband of the past 18 years, and retired from banking. They lived in Tyngsboro, MA and Merrimac, MA prior to moving to Limerick, ME 8 years ago.One of Carolyn's greatest gifts was handcrafts which included her talent for knitting, sewing, and rug braiding. Many of her items could be found in addition to custom items at the Seacoast Consignment Shop in N. Hampton, NH where she sold her items for the past 7 years. In addition, she was talented in the household "handyman" skills necessary to keep a home in working order. She enjoyed taking trips with her husband and friends, baking, camping, and crossword puzzles. According to her family, she dearly loved her grandchildren and was extremely involved in any family event, birthdays or other gatherings--she was the family coordinator.Carolyn also had a strong commitment to her faith. For many years she was a member, treasure and active volunteer at the former Grace Universalist Unitarian Church in Lowell. Recently, she became a founding member and treasure of the Community of Faith and Fellowship Church in West Newfield. She was a very giving person who was always willing to help others, and she especially loved church work.She is survived by her husband, Roger N. Chown of Limerick; a son, Brian S. Holmes of Lowell, MA and a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Coutracos of N. Andover, MA; a sister, Sharon Soucy of Merrimac, MA; and 4 grandchildren, Teddy Coutracos, Elyanna Coutracos and Nicholas Coutracos, all of N. Andover, MA and Olivia Holmes of Lowell, MA.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, February 12, 2005 at the United Methodist Church in Merrimacport, MA. The Rev. Pam Maden, pastor, will officiate, assisted by pastor Lee Ann Gagne of the Community of Faith and Fellowship Church in West Newfield, ME. Following the service there will be a reception in the church hall for a time of fellowship and refreshment.Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Carolyn's name, may be made to the American Cancer Society. She will be dearly missed.