New Gloucester – Catherine Elizabeth (Lewis, Zemla) Jordan, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME on December 3, 2021. She was born in Vasselboro, Maine 1 of 7 children of Carlton and Abbie Downs Lewis.
Catherine happily married Walter Zemla and they had 6 beautiful children. At the time of his death in 1957 Catherine was pregnant with their 6th child, whom she gave birth to 6 months after his passing.
She was the definition of strength and fortitude as a single mom raising 6 children. She was very proud of her family, and also loved her children’s spouses and extended family as her own and made sure to offer a warm welcome into her family. Some family members would joke that their significant others were her favorites of the family. Her love spanned generations. She enjoyed visits from the newest members of the family; her great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. They adored her as much as she cherished them.
She married Dwight (Pete) Jordan in 1975 and he became the love of her life. They enjoyed a lifetime together of raising their Brittany dogs, acquiring numerous ribbons in field trials and show. Pete passed in 2014, and she continued to love him every day after that.
Catherine enjoyed sharing her joy of reading, jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. She owned and operated The Book Nook in North Windham in the late 70’s and loved to tell the story of the time she met a young Stephen King in her bookstore and laughed when he declared, “I’ll be famous some day!”
Outside of her family, there were few things she loved more than Ronald Regan and the Brittany dogs she raised. She was a great cook, who filled her table with comfort foods and kept a full cookie jar. Her spaghetti sauce was a family favorite and was truly something to write home about!
Her family appreciated that she was opinionated and stubborn and loved a good debate. She was staunch in her beliefs and convictions, another trait she passed on to most of her family.
Catherine had 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, 1 brother, 3 sisters and her daughter Roxanne Zemla Gerry.
She is survived by daughters, Betty Archer of Bath; Judith Wedberg and spouse Alton of New Gloucester; daughters Karen Zemla-Knight and Wallene Curran of Portland and son Walter Zemla Jr. and his wife Susan of Windham.
Catherine’s family would like to thank Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the professional, kind, and compassionate care that was given to Catherine during her final days.
Burial Service will be held in the Spring at Brooklawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3575, Portland, ME 04104
Arms Spread,
Soaring high.
Looking down at us as we weep cry.
Don’t feel sorrow for me,
I am finally free.
I will watch over you from above
Feel the gentle touch on your cheek
The dragonfly is free.
By Wallene Curran
December 7, 2021
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com