Linda Ann Rowbottom
POWNAL – Linda Ann Rowbottom of Pownal, died on July 3, 2022 at the age of 72. Words on paper cannot express the loss that is felt by the family and friends who loved her. Linda was born on August 12, 1949 to William and Eleanor (Caminiti) Caprio in Portland, both of whom preceded her in death.
Linda was married to Phil Rowbottom for 51 years. At any given time you could find them working on their gardens, going for a bike ride, boating, fishing, or spending time with the other members of the AMVETS hall. Winters were spent “Rving” to find the best location in what would also most certainly be the most remote location south of Maine. Many weekends were spent searching out a diner with the best breakfast only to realize time and again that the best breakfast was blueberry pancakes made by Phil right at home.
Linda was a mother and grandmother who was always finding ways to make her grandchildren feel special. Linda spend a lot of time with her grandchildren, Seamus, Emma, and Finn. “Grammie Time” was special time, and we all looked forward to her weekly visits and missed her dearly when she traveled south in her RV. Grammie was always up for an adventure, whether it was Mani/pedis with Emma or adventure parks and movies with Seamus and Finn. She could always be counted on to have the forbidden foods not found in our home, Doritos and Double Stuff Oreos. The trips a little further north to see her grandchildren Tristan Frye, Shenan-doah Temple and Shyan Frye were just as special. She would spend days prepping food to bring that would make the trip special. Her famous tortellini salad, a special new treat she had seen in a magazine, or her orange jello cake were always a hit.
It is impossible for me, her daughter Carissa, to look around and not see her influence in all aspects of my life. The recipes of hers that I can never truly replicate, perhaps because her recipe instructions consist of “a handful of bread crumbs” or “some Parmesan cheese until it looks right,” will continue to be served even if they are not quite right. The pile of clothes with stains still waits for her to come and work her magic. The stack of books on my nightstand with her initials on the inside cover indicating that she had already read the book will sit there a while still. Our rose tea set still sits ready for our next “tea time”. Every time I open my closet I see the box of goodies filled with trinkets she had accumulated to help me fill Christmas stockings and Easter baskets for the kids.
Linda had two sisters, Barbara Johnson and Donna Banks. Collectively known as the “The Caprio Girls” or “The Italian Connection” by the “Cousins” (me, Michael Banks, Brian Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Kathryn Banks, Steve Johnson and Amy Pires) they were the “Village” we counted on to help us all get through life. While floating in Little Sebago Lake they would be planning the next family barbecue or birthday, they would get together for lunch or help babysit each other’s grandchildren. The Caprio Girls took care of us all.
Linda had many titles, daughter, sister, wife, mother, auntie, cousin, grandmother, and friend. We all feel the hole she left behind. Who will make Auntie Linda’s famous baked beans at the next barbecue? Who will buy this year’s Christmas jammies for the grandchildren? Who will tell us if the canned good with the questionable date is OK to use, and who will make us all feel special and loved?
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Durham AMVETS Post 13, 1049 Royalsborough Rd., West Durham, on July 10, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
If you have a photo of Linda you would like to share, please email it to carissa.winning@gmail.com.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.LindquistFuneralHome.com for the Rowbottom family.
In lieu of flowers
donations may be made in her memory to
Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice
ATTN: Development Office
15 Strawberry Ave.
Lewiston, ME 04240 or
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