Skowhegan - With heavy hearts and deep love, we share the passing of our mother, Laurel Jane Tuttle, who passed away peacefully at home in Skowhegan, Maine, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the age of 85. Born in Waterville, Maine, on April 4, 1941, she was the daughter of Fred E. McGowan and Jenny Beatrice Anderson McGowan.

To us, she was simply Mom: loving, steady, devoted, and always happiest when surrounded by her family. She loved deeply and gave generously of herself, whether she was caring for her children, welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or opening her home and heart to the many children she cared for through her day care over 25 years. Her kindness touched more lives than she may ever have known.

Mom adored our father, Edward Carlton Tuttle Sr., and the life they built together after their marriage on July 25, 1959, in Skowhegan. They shared years of memories, including camping throughout Maine and spending winters together in Florida. Their love and companionship were a beautiful example to all of us, and we find comfort knowing she is reunited with him.

She was predeceased by our father, Edward Carlton Tuttle Sr.; her beloved parents, Fred E. McGowan and Jenny Beatrice Anderson McGowan; and her siblings and their spouses, Cecil and Jean McGowan, Walter and Elenor McGowan, Harland and Polly McGowan, Ronnie and Annette McGowan, Juanita and Bill Vashon, Marion and Bob Sawford, and Jean and George Willman.

Mom was proud of her family and cherished every moment spent together. She is survived by her children, Edward Tuttle Jr., Denise Mitchell and her husband Glenn, and Chad Tuttle and his wife Angela; her grandchildren, Miranda Gonneville and her husband Ken, Blake Tuttle and his wife Kayla, and Molly Tuttle and her husband Abrian Benjamin; her great-grandchild, Maci; and her brothers, Barney McGowan and his wife Ann, and Jim McGowan and his wife Janet. She will also be lovingly remembered by her extended family and many dear friends.

Mom was a member of the Federated Church of Skowhegan and the Marine Corps League. Her faith, community, and family were important parts of her life, and she carried herself with warmth, quiet strength, and a giving spirit.

We will miss her love, her presence, and the comfort of simply being with her. She leaves us with a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, and love that will remain with us always.

Laurel will be laid to rest with her husband, Edward, at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Avenue in Augusta, Maine, at the niche wall. Interment will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.