Eliza Katherine Gouzie

GORHAM – Eliza Katherine Gouzie, 35, of Gorham, Maine, passed away on August 3, 2025.

Eliza was born on March 18, 1990, in Portland, Maine, and from the very beginning, she was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her. A warm and loving soul, Eliza had a gift for making people feel cared for, seen, and safe. Her generous spirit showed up in countless ways—perhaps most memorably through her ever-present “portable pharmacy bag.” Whether you had a headache, a scrape, or just needed a snack, Eliza was there with a Band-Aid, aspirin, granola bar, or a comforting word.

Her caring nature was matched by her bravery. Eliza had an instinctive drive to help, running headlong into the heart of any emergency. She often joked that she wore a giant superhero “E” under her clothes, ready to leap into action with a cheerful, Mrs. Doubtfire-esque cry: “Help is on the way!” Though she often struggled with anxiety, she never let it keep her from showing up when others needed her most—a true and beautiful paradox she carried with grace. That same anxiety, however, could make life especially difficult for her at times. Eliza was the first to admit that she could be a bit sharp around the edges when overwhelmed, but those who loved her understood this part of her, and she herself met it with humility, humor, and self-awareness. Her candor about her anxiety made her all the more human, and her love even more meaningful. Her spirit, generous and deeply rooted in empathy, always found a way to shine through.

Eliza had an infectious laugh and a wicked, often self-deprecating, sense of humor that made her fun to be around. She loved the outdoors, especially time spent at the family camp, whether fishing, lounging in the hammock or enjoying Pepe chicken. Eliza also loved organizing activities for her brothers—carving pumpkins, coloring Easter eggs, and tie-dying, to name a few.

She had a lifelong passion for animals. As a child, she was often dressed up as a dog more often than in “real” clothes, and once, at age three, expressed dismay that she could not be a lion when she grew up. Her compassion extended to all creatures, great and small. Nicknamed “Dr. Dolittle” by her family, Eliza was always rescuing injured or abandoned animals—snakes, baby birds, mice—and once even brought home an injured crow in her backpack, refusing to leave it behind until it got the care it needed. Thanks to her (and Sparks’ Ark) the backpack crow lives on!

Professionally, Eliza found her calling as a dental assistant, a role in which her natural empathy and humor stood out. Her coworkers described her as a bright spot in the office—someone who could ease the nerves of even the most anxious patients with her kindness and wit. She was deeply dedicated to her work and well-loved by all who had the chance to work alongside her.

Eliza is survived by her family: her father, Jeffrey Gouzie of Gorham, her mother, Deanna McNamara of Windham and her partner Kevin Conger of New Gloucester; her brothers, Daniel and his partner Stacia of Rochester, NH, and Tanner and his partner Molly of Buxton. She is also survived by her grandparents, Armand and Cecile Gouzie of Cooper, and Mark and Nadine Serber of Falmouth and her partner, Jason Rousseau, and his son Jackson of Gorham, who already miss their “Eliza Gouzie Pants” fiercely. There are countless other family members, friends and co-workers who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Eliza’s boundless love, humor, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. She will be sorely missed, always remembered, and endlessly loved.

A gathering in her honor will be held at Beinema Hall at the Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine, on Sunday, August 24, from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in Eliza’s name can be made to:

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

an organization close to her heart