Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Godcher) Zaborowski, 85, died in her West Bath home on September 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Gwen was born October 18, 1940, in Meriden, CT, the eldest child of Raymond and Marguerite Godcher. She graduated from Meriden High School and Meriden Hospital School of Nursing, and she later continued her education as a working mother, earning her B.S. from Lesley University at the age of 50. She married her high school sweetheart, Francis “Fran” Zaborowski, in August 1961, and together they lovingly raised their six children in Connecticut, New York, and Acton, MA. Gwen is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Francis, and their children, Michael Zaborowski of Boxborough, MA, Anne Grallert (Graham) of Lewiston, ME, Chip Zaborowski (Terri) of Westport, MA, Katherine Dalla Betta (Stephen) of Harvard, MA, Jenny Zaborowski of Mystic, CT, and Luke Zaborowski (Liana) of Pownal, ME. She is also survived by her siblings, Gail Palmer and Raymond Godcher; her grandchildren, Joel, Matthew, Daniel, Jed, Jackson, Lila, Olivia, Sophia, Cameron, Audrey, Isabella, Francesca, Grace, Anna, and Gwen; plus a plethora of adored great-grandchildren who brought her so much joy in her last years. Gwen truly was the baby whisperer.
Gwen was most proud of raising six responsible and loving children who went on to raise responsible and loving children of their own. She always jumped in when friends and neighbors were in need—she showed up, fed, cared for, and listened. Professionally, she worked as a nurse in many settings, including in Concord, MA, at Emerson Hospital and at Concord Academy where she was the Director of Health Services. She was also an avid volunteer, most recently at the Patten Free Library in Bath, ME, where she served on the Board of Trustees and worked in the library bookstore, and at CHANS Home Health and Hospice in Brunswick, ME.
Gwen and Fran moved to West Bath, ME, in 1996 to enjoy the woods, the quiet, and the pond Gwen dreamed of having as a child. Together they enjoyed exploring Maine, swimming, reading, laughing, and volunteer cow milking. They created an oasis for their family and friends to enjoy the beauty, tranquility, and adventure of Houghton Pond.
Gwen was strong, compassionate, and no-nonsense. She was a role model and was maternal to all, young and old. She preferred order but embraced the chaos of children and pets. She made cooking for a crowd look easy, always had an extra plate at the table, and her food was delicious. She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary, knew as much about football and baseball as any of her sons, could kick a crossword puzzle’s butt, and had a wicked sense of humor. She was wise, curious, well-read, intuitive, quick-witted, beautiful, brave, and fiercely protective of her loved ones.
She will be forever remembered by Fran, their children, their sons- and daughters-in-law, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, and the wide community of those touched by Gwen’s kindness, warm laugh, and radiant smile.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gwen’s name to CHANS Home Health and Hospice in appreciation of the compassionate care they provided to her at the end of her life or the Patten Free Library in Bath, ME.