Obituary
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Susan and Gary Dow

Date of Death: February 3, 2026

Biography:

Camden and Brunswick Maine – Gary W. Dow,77, passed away on November 5, 2024 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. Susan E. (Shepard) Dow, 76, passed away on February 3, 2026 at Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick. Gary was born on September 2, 1947, in Bangor, Maine the son of Richard and Thelma (Brann) Dow. Susan was born September 1, 1949 in Bangor, Maine the daughter of William H. and Gwendolyn (True) Shepard.
Gary was a member of the Bangor High School Class of 1965 and graduated in June 1966. Gary began learning his craft in jewelry while in high school working for Evarts Leighton, a jewelry repair business in Bangor. He attended the North Bennet Street Industrial School, Boston, Massachusetts. Susan was a member of the Bangor High School Class of 1967 and attended Endicott Junior College, Beverly, Massachusetts. They were married April 26, 1969 in Bangor, Maine and enjoyed 55 years of marriage.
After their marriage they moved to Massachusetts living in Avon, Brockton and Marshfield. Gary worked in the jewelry business before he became the owner of Jewelers Bench, Kingston, MA. Susan worked at various jobs including Shawmut Bank and various other banking jobs before joining Gary working at their store, Jewelers Bench of Kingston. One of Gary’s hobbies was making miniature furniture. Susan was very creative as was displayed with her many craft projects and her wardrobe. Besides being very creative she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading, working in her gardens and her wonderful bear collection. They both enjoyed gardening.
In 2007 they returned to Maine and settled in Camden. Gary owned and operated Dow’s Jewelry Arts. He was a member of United Maine Crafters Association for years participating in many craft shows throughout the state as Dow’s Jewelry Art. Susan enjoyed helping Gary in his business adventures and meeting people as the craft fairs they participated in.
They were predeceased by their parents and Susan’s brother, William H. Shepard, Jr. They are survived by Robert (Debbie) Dow, Linda Hardy, Beverly Shepard, Benjamin Shepard (Kathy) and Nancy Lamson (James). They are also survived by a special cousin Patty (Dennis) Reeves and a special niece Jennifer along with other nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial service will be held at a later date.