Rowena Abby Nelson

Rowena Nelson Obituary

Rowena Abby Nelson
('Lambie')
Greenville Native Cut A Giant Swath
GREENVILLE -- Rowena Abby Nelson ('Lambie') passed away peacefully on April 1, 2011 at the Charles A. Dean Nursing Home in Greenville, Maine, just days before her 90th birthday. She was a very special person who exemplified what is right in the world, greeting all with an upbeat demeanor that reflected the good that she saw in people. As one of her nieces recently remarked, 'Lambie is the only person I have ever known without a bad bone in her body.'
An outstanding professional who directed Maine Medical Center's Physical Therapy Department from 1952 until retiring many years later, Lambie was recognized by the Maine Health Care Association's 2009 'Remember Me' ceremony, held in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House, as one 'who had spent the best years of her life supporting her family, building her community, and serving her state and country'.
Although childless, she and late husband, Robert S. Nelson, were tireless caregivers and passionate fans to literally hundreds of extended family members and acquaintances spanning many generations. They selflessly served Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Greenville communities in numerous civic organizations and charities.
Born in 1921 in Greenville and
Rowena Abby
Nelson
the fourth of Bess and Harold Walden's five children, she spent her early years cheerfully proving to her brothers and sisters that she could do anything a man could do to survive and enjoy Maine's rugged north woods and waters, and she dreamed great dreams. Among her teen-age heroines were golfer Babe Diedrickson and aviator Amelia Earhart, whose pictures adorned her Walden Farm bedroom walls, high above Moosehead Lake and Wilson Pond.
Few could match Lambie's skill, even as an octogenerian, as she navigated the treacherous narrows joining Lower and Upper Wilson Pond in her wooden row-boat, 'The Lambob II'. It was there, as the 80 year old head of the Wilson Pond Association, that she headed off two men, speeding on jet skis, and calmly educated them about the eagles, ospreys, loons and other fauna whose off-spring they were threatening. The two men left vowing to never operate their jet skis there again.
An accounting of the life-long works accomplished by this Greenville and Boston-Bouve educated leader would require volumes. Perhaps Lambie's most enduring gift is the self-esteem and courage that she fostered in everyone she met. A celebration of Lambie's life will be held this summer in Greenville at a date and time to be announced.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Apr. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Rowena Nelson

4 Entries

May 5, 2011

Dear Family of "Miss Waldon,"

In 1954 I was in a very serious car accident. I was just a wee boy and in those days with limited visiting hours, and no TV, the minutes, hours, days, weeks and months were painfully long.

Miss Nelson was a kind face and a gentle hand. I still can not smell rubbing alcohol without thinking of her. She and Charlotte Norton were bright spots in my week. I continued having therapy for years and well recall the day she told me she was getting married.

Many, many years later I ran into her at the Cresent Beach Inn. I was delighted when she remembered me. I will remember fondly her gently nature and kindness.
You have my sympathy and prayers.
Most sincerely,
david

[email protected]

sarahjane wilson

May 1, 2011

Dear Family,
I miss Lambie everyday. Schuylar Bird keeps her and Bob alive in our home, with voices and songs. Peace and love to all. SJ and family

Allen Wicken

April 26, 2011

Dear Family of Rowena Nelson,
My name is Allen Wicken, a physical therapist who knew "Rowe" since 1974 when I was hired fresh out of PT school to work at Maine Medical Center.
It didn't take long for me to realize that she was a very special person...as an impressive colleague, a loyal friend, and a neighbor...my wife Judy, and our two young sons, Gregg and Chris, lived less than a half mile from Rowe and Bob's lovely log cabin on Broad Cove Road.
Rowena was a favorite of our little boys...she would take care of them for a day or a few hours occasionally. They loved going to the cabin, and they loved the dogs...
I became the director of physical therapy in 1975, and I continued in that capacity until 1991. All that time Rowe and Bob remained respected and dear friends.
In the past few years, I visited Rowe and Bob, and later just Rowe after Bob's passing, at the State Street assisted living facility. Rowe was struggling with memory issues...but that sparkling smile, and caring personality showed through often...
For the past 10 years, my wife and I have lived on the shore of a pond in the Rangeley Lakes region (in a cabin we built in the '80s)...much like Wilson Pond in the Moosehead region. We love the outdoors...of course. I loved the story in the obituary about her "policing" of Wilson Pond...that was pure Rowena!
I feel privileged to have known her for so many years, and to have known her as a colleague, whereby I, and many other PTs on the Maine Med staff, learned so much about being a caring health professional from one of the best!
I hope you will let me know the details and date of the summer celebration of Rowena's life...
Very sincerely,
Allen Wicken, PT,MS
e: [email protected]
p: 207/864-2938

Cathy Nugent

April 25, 2011

I have very fond memories of my late mother, Jan (Begbie) Nugent, Rowe and I skiing at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton in the '70's. My mother was a nurse anesthetist at MMC in the late '50's through the late '60's and I believe they met there. I loved winnie the pooh and she would engage us in delightful conversation about pooh and his friends during the ride from South Portland to Bridgton. She was delightful and inspiring and I will always treasure these memories.

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