Gwendolyn Leah O'Roak

BANGOR - Gwendolyn Leah O'Roak, 98, of Bangor, Maine, passed away on September 10, 2025 in Bangor. She was born on Nov. 30, 1926 in Sherman, Maine, the daughter of Irving and Erma Whitehouse.
Gwendolyn experienced her formative years during the Great Depression and those experiences left a lasting impact on her approach to life; compassion for those less fortunate and appreciation for the good things life had to offer. She attended Sherman High School in the shadow of World War II. Although she loved school she lamented her disappointment that she only played basketball her Freshmen year as extra-curricular activities were scrapped due to gas rationing because of the war. She attended the University of Maine at Orono and soon after met and married Walton O'Roak, her husband of 71 years. In 1957, they bought their house on Fairfield St. in Island Falls where they raised their four children. They remained in their home for fifty-six years until in 2013, they moved to Bangor to be closer to family.
Gwen's devotion to family was the main focus of her life. She was a dedicated and loving mother and devoted wife. She loved her many friends and always welcomed them into her home for coffee and conversation. She had a passion for cooking and baking. In late fall she would prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas by filling her freezer with baked goods. Her appreciative family would arrive to a wonderful spread of home cooked food. For forty-four years she lovingly hosted the annual Christmas Party in early December where many sweet memories were made by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Gwen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walton O'Roak, her brother, Dana Whitehouse, her first born son, Jonnie, and a close cousin, Carl B. Smith.
She will be sorely missed by her sister, Cheryl Rivard (Normand), her daughter, Jill Hersey (Wilbur), her daughter, Joleen Porter (Bob), her son, Jeffrey O'Roak (Lori Ferguson) and her daughter-in-law, Susan O'Roak. She is also survived by six adored grandchildren and spouses: Jaime Hersey, Janice Rushton (Jerrod), Rob Porter (Bev), Erin Bird, and Shannon and Maureen O'Roak. Additionally, Gwen leaves seven much loved great-grandchildren: Bryce Porter (Courtney), Lauren Crawford (Dylan), Jayden and Jordyn Rushton, Liam, Quinn, and Keegan Bird, and four precious great-great-grandchildren: Luca, Milo, Emmett and Marlee Crawford. She will also be missed by many loved nieces and nephews, her dear friends at Solstice Senior Living Retirement Home, as well as her friends at Maine Veterans' Homes in Bangor.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the support, compassion and kindness shown during our mother's stay at Maine Veterans' Homes. Special thanks is given to the members of St. Agnes Sodality in Island Falls for their love, prayers, and many cards sent through the years.
A Catholic graveside funeral service will be held October 10th at 10 am at the Island Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home.