Virginia R. Crowell

Virginia R. Crowell, 85 years old, formerly of Swampscott, MA and Acton, ME died peacefully on October 12, 2006 at the Newton Center in Sanford, ME.The daughter of the late Chester and Stella (Herridge) Butcher, Virginia was born on February 27, 1921 in Lynn, MA. She was a graduate of Lynn English High School. Virginia was employed by the Hygrade Lamp Co. of Salem, MA, Burrow's & Sanborn Photography Studio in Lynn, and later at Loehmann's Clothing Store of Swampscott, MA.Virginia and her husband, Frank, retired in 1972 and moved to Acton, ME where she was a member of the Acton Congregational Church. There she served as a deaconess and participated in various church activities and organizations. Virginia was active as a Campfire Girl Leader and at one time held the office of Director of the Eastland District of Campfire Girls. Virginia was a member of the Machon Schools Parent-Teachers Association, the Acton Fire Auxiliary, and a former trustee of the Acton Library. When she was not serving her community, 'Gin' found relaxation as an avid bowler in the coffee cup bowling leagues. Virginia enjoyed traveling, decorating cakes, and visiting yard sales and the library to supply her with winter reading by the bagful.Her husband and life-long companion, Frank E. Crowell, predeceased her in 1991.Virginia is survived by two daughters, Barbara Large and her husband Earl of El Paso, TX, Ellen Collard and her husband Scott of Parsonsfield, ME; eight grandchildren, Lawrence E., Frank, and Sandra Crozier of TX, Deborah Keisel also of TX, Earlene Groce, and Lisa Cooper of VA, Caitlin and Kendra DeVore of Parsonsfield, ME, ten great-grandchildren, and four great great-grandchildren. A brother, Warren "Bud" C. Butcher of Lynn, MA, a sister D. Arline Bernard of Lakewood, CO, a sister-in-law A. Thelma Crowell of Rye, NH, and several nieces and nephews also survive her.A period of visitation for Virginia will be held this Monday, October 16, 2006 from 4 to 6 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale, ME; where a 1:00 PM funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2006. A committal service will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Acton, ME.In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to the Acton Fire &Rescue, P.O. Box 185, Acton, ME 04001, or the Acton Public Library, P.O. Box 539, Acton, ME 04001. Condolences may be expressed by using the tab to the left.