Bette-Lou E. (Race) Dower, 75, of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home, following a period of declining health.

Born in Barre, Vermont, on March 20, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Max C. and Edith L. (Sawicki) Race. She graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon. Bette-Lou devoted much of her working life to caring for others, having been employed as a caregiver at Baldwinville Nursing Home for many years. She also worked as a live-in home health aide, providing compassionate care and companionship to those in need until her retirement.

Bette-Lou found great joy in spending time in her kitchen, where she loved cooking and baking for her family, preparing their favorite dishes, and trying new recipes, specially making cakes for friends, families and many others in the area for years. She enjoyed taking trips to Maine, attending concerts, and decorating her home for every major holiday, always embracing the joy and traditions each season brought. Above all, Bette-Lou's greatest happiness came from her family, her children and grandchildren. Especially, two of her great-grandchildren Ryan and Lilian who held a special spot in her heart as she raised them as her own for the past 11 years. She treasured every moment spent together, the laughter they shared, and the countless memories created throughout the years.

Bette-Lou is survived by her loving husband, John S. Dower of Gardner; two daughters, Nichole Leazott and her husband, George, of Royalston, and Maxine Sexton and her husband, Stacy, of FL; two sons, Max F. O'Malley and his wife, Jamie, of Gardner, and Patrick O'Malley of NY; two stepdaughters, Jacquelyn Larcenaire and her husband, Paul, of S Carolina, and Jennifer Davis and her husband, Ethan, of N Carolina; twelve grandchildren Katelyn, Adriana, Gabrielle, Zachary, Charlie, Hunter, Emma, Meagan, McKenzie, McKayla, Moon, Jillian, Amanda, Ashley, Kyle and Kevin; several great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and many sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her son, Joseph O'Malley.

A Celebration of Bette- Lou's Life will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m. in the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, Attn: Gift Processing, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, or on their website at www.kidney.org. Please reference in memory of Bette-Lou E. Dower.