Tribute

Gwen Main, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on May 1, 2024, at age 81, in Tucson, Arizona. She was born in Island Falls, Maine to James and Viona MacArthur, the second of seven children. She attended primary school in Crystal (Maine), graduated from Island Falls High School, and attended Bethany Bible College (Canada) - always at the top of her class. She married Stephen Main in 1961 in her childhood church and began a 44-year career as a pastor’s wife in New Brunswick (Canada), Northern Maine, Indiana, Iowa, and Arizona. Gwen’s faith was unwavering, yet she balanced her devout spirituality with a mischievous zest for life, always ready to share a hearty laugh or a playful joke. She had a knack for teaching - whether at home, in churches, or in many other settings - because she connected so effortlessly with others. She loved music and played the piano for her own enjoyment and as a church pianist for decades. She was a lifelong writer of poetry, articles, devotionals, newsletters, and stories of family adventures - including a memoir “This Far by Faith.” She enjoyed dominoes, Flinch, knitting, crafts, garage sales, and grew Swiss chard. She will be missed by her adoring family who, much to their chagrin, learned that Mom was right 99% of the time - and don’t worry, she knew it too!

Friends & Family

She is survived by: Her husband, Stephen Main. Four children and spouses: Chrys Main, Tim (Deb) Main, Carrie Jo (Ken) Naig, and Thom (Paula) Main. Nine Grandchildren: Ami Jo Scamihorn, Adam Main, Keisha Cassidy, Kelsey Clodfelter, Kylie Naig, Caitlin Yamamoto, Cayla Maxwell, Melissa Keefe, and Scott Keefe. Eight Great Grandchildren: Sarah, Hannah, Kayley, Blake, Kate, Henry, Cora, and Anna. Siblings: Neda MacArthur and David MacArthur. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Margaret, James, Stephen, and Diana.