Abbot - Our beloved one “L” Michele has passed from this world as we know it, both shockingly and suddenly June 3, 2023, onto her newest chapter to make a new home for her loving husband, Butch. Life began in Dover-Foxcroft on October 8, 1949, to parents Mabel Mary Castronova and Joseph Edward Fowler. While becoming the last child of the first marriage, she always called James Alvah Crockett – DAD; since he provided guidance and love throughout her younger years. In 1962, her snappy brown eyes caught the attention of a young Ervin “Butch” Kirk, and so it began! They were married in 1966, spent the first year in Texas, and he left for Viet Nam. Family life followed as they purchased an Old and Cold farmhouse in Dover-Foxcroft. Shelley Lynn was the first family addition followed a few years later with Robin Denise. They upgraded to Abbot in 1974 living their first year in a new two car garage with chemical toilet. “Why pay rent”, as they completed construction of the new house in the gravel pit in 1975. “Peanut” was able to stay at home with the children as Butch worked ‘away’ on construction of Interstate 95. She raised the garden vegetables while also providing childcare for other parents. All those values served as basis for her conservative values. “Don’t buy it if it’s not on sale.” Baking sweet rolls for Key Club, cookie cutters by the dozens for children’s holidays, and serving as chaperone on several school functions were also parts of her many activities. As both the children and life itself moved forward in the early 1980s, she expanded to limited elder care at Riverbend Homes. Her compassion was obvious and in 1986 she was asked to become the housing manager. The devastation of the April flood the following year led to 16 of her residents becoming homeless. She worked tirelessly to secure housing for them, with all except one who died, returning to a new complex in 1989. Seeing the need for more housing, she and her husband successfully purchased, moved, and rehabilitated one of the previously flooded buildings. She sold Kirk’s Kozy Korner apartments in 2005. Another of her joys was the ability to host holiday dinners at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Busting Out. Michele was recognized jointly by the commercial housing industry and USDA Rural Development as Maine’s FIRST Site Manager of the Year in 1998. She retired from Riverbend Homes in 2008. … Let the adventures begin! Rheumatol Arthritis is a horrible disease, so escape to her Florida home in winter has become a welcome relief. Additionally, while travelling in their fifth wheel camper, his Seattle relatives suggested visiting all the state capitols. During a six year period, they completed visits to all 50 capitals, plus state museums, and several national parks. As a milestone 65th birthday gift, the couple travelled to Italy for an extensive tour, including a special private day tour of Canicatti, Sicily; the hometown of her mother’s parents in the early 1900s, as they emigrated to America. Adventures continued to include a trip with friends around the Gaspe` Peninsula, chasing Robin around the country to Nantucket Island, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and now Florida, as well as camping with Shelley, James, and the grandkids. OMG, grandkids; she adored both Brady and Jenna; SO Proud and SO much LOVE! Michele was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Juanita and Charlotte; brothers, Edward and Mickey. She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Butch; daughters, (Mrs. James) Shelley Lobdell, and Robin Kirk; and grandchildren, Brady and Jenna Lobdell. She also leaves behind sisters, Jo Marie, Toni, and Candy; brothers, Jimmy and Preston; several nieces and nephews; and too many friends to list for fear of leaving anyone off that list. Family and friends are invited to visit 1PM until funeral service 2PM Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Burial will be in the family lot in the Abbot Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Michele's favorite charity at Riverbend Homes to benefit a new enhancement project to benefit the residents, Riverbend Homes, 99 Riverbend Drive Guilford, ME 04443. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com. Here is a link for the Go Fund Me page to benefit the project at Riverbend Homes: https://www.gofundme.com/f/michele-fowler-kirk-riverbend-homes-memorial