BANGOR - Nadine Emily McPike McDowell passed away on Oct. 30, 2017, at a Bangor hospital. She was born August 12, 1941, in Talmadge, Maine, the daughter of Lillian McPike (Eastman) and Clayton Charles McPike.
Nadine grew up in Waite, ME, and graduated Princeton High School in 1959. In 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael McDowell, and went to live in Limestone, Maine, while Michael served in the Air Force. They then moved to Holden, Maine, in the early 1960s to the Cedar Haven Park where she met many of her lifelong friends. In the early 1970s Michael built her a house in Holden where she remained until 2016. She then moved to the Boyd Street apartments in Bangor where she made new friends and enjoyed watching city life from her large landscaped deck overlooking State Street. Nadine got extensive business experience working in Bangor banks, YWCA and at Gordon Clapp Agency. She then decided to be an early female entrepreneur and started her own travel agency, McDowell Tour and Travel in the 1980s. She led bus tours across the east coast and Canada bringing the joy of travel to many travelers from Eastern Maine. After retiring in the 1990s she ran several antique booths at local area antique malls. Her greatest challenges in life were the premature loss of both of her sons. Her incredible spirit combined with a strong circle of friends and family got her through three very difficult decades without her children. For those of you who knew her, you know you won't forget her. For those who didn't, know that she loved colorful flowers, decorating and entertaining friends. She also spent much of her time looking for antiques and collectibles for her business. She took great pleasure in these things she found and the memories they held. Her philosophy of life was to not take anything too seriously and have fun while you can. She would often quote that famous slogan "Life is Good" and it was that belief that got her through some of the most difficult challenges that anyone could face. She is now reunited with her whole family and now finally her afterlife is good! In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Michael, and her children, Michael Scott McDowell and Peter Eric McDowell. She is survived by her three brothers, Alden McPike of Bangor, ME, Stephen McPike of Gray, ME, and Joel McPike of Lincolnton, NC. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share in conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center, 163 Center St., following the ceremony. Interment will be later that after afternoon at the Harts Corner Cemetery, Holden. Those who wish to remember Nadine in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, care of EMHS Foundation, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931.