Goldena E. "Goldie" Dowhan

Lee — Goldena E. “Goldie” Dowhan, 67, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with Glioblastoma. She met every step of that journey with grit, grace, and a steadfast, loyal love for her family. Born June 18, 1958, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Goldie was the daughter of the late James and Thelma (Cox) Blankenship. Raised in Ashdown, Arkansas, she graduated from Ashdown High School in 1976 and soon enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving for 4 years as a mail clerk and paramedic. During her service in Germany, she met her future husband of 41 years, James P. “Jimbo” Dowhan, who predeceased her in 2021. After completing their military service, Goldie and Jimbo settled on the New Hampshire Seacoast, where together they built their family and established their careers. Goldie worked at Sig Sauer for 31 years, known for her loyalty, honesty, and strength—the kind of person who worked hard, cared deeply, and always showed up for others. Goldie cherished the outdoors, especially her time at the family camp in Stewartstown, NH. But more than anything, she adored her grandbabies, who brought light and purpose to her life. After her diagnosis, Goldie and her family made a promise to live fully and savor the small, beautiful moments. The last three summers became a collection of treasured days—afternoons swimming in the pool with sweet tea in hand, Led Zeppelin or Willie Nelson playing in the background; cookouts and card games; movie nights with too many snacks; simple day trips with no destination except “together”; and slow walks that turned into long conversations. They were everyday joys made extraordinary simply because she was there. Goldie’s convictions were her compass. She believed in showing up, speaking honestly, loving fiercely, and protecting her people with unwavering devotion. She taught her family that there is always a way through—sometimes it just requires creative thought to uncover the solution; that rest is allowed, but giving up is not; and that every place, every person, and every moment can be left better than you found it. Goldie’s family will remember her as love in motion—tough, honest, loyal, and unwavering. Goldie gave her all to everything, and her everything to them. Her lessons and her love will be carried forward, always. Goldie is survived by her daughters, Racheal Glazier and her husband Travis of Portsmouth, NH, and Rebecca Freeman and her husband Cole of Lee, NH; her beloved grandbabies, Derek Dowhan, Ella-Mae Glazier, and Harli Glazier; and her siblings, Randy and wife Linda Alvord, Frieda and husband Johnny Castleman, David and wife Carole Blankenship, Thomas Blankenship, and Scott Blankenship. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who knew her as the aunt who showed up with a plan, a plate, and a hug. In addition to her parents and husband, Goldie was predeceased by her sisters, Glenda Taylor and Penny Jo Granger. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home–Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in Central Cemetery, Rye. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 or online by clicking here

Goldena E. "Goldie" Dowhan

June 18, 1958 - November 6, 2025