Gwen Eloise Main

July 12th, 1942 - May 1st, 2024

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 life-long 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!

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.

A Memorial Service will be held at Adair Funeral homes Avalon Chapel, 8090 N Northern Ave Oro Valley, AZ 85704 on Wednesday May 8, 2024 at 2pm.

To watch the service live please click on the link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f24055340402209

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Gwen’s life with a heartfelt message.

Mary Ann Bellino

I am honored to have to meet Qwen and got to spent time with her during my stay at Friendly Village Estate. She is a wonderful , loving, caring and etc. she always make me feel great every time I am sad. I will miss her so much. Rest in peace Qwen 😢🤗

Published May 8th, 2024

Terry & Laurene Nason

So many memories of my times with the Mains. I believe I was 12 or near 13 when they arrived at our church to pastor. They had babies and I fell in love, hardly a day went by that I was not at their door to take the babies on walks, help out or just sit & talk. I have been looking back over the past 60 years this past week and I see how I was mentored, taught and cared for by Mrs Main. Many a day I would step out the door to go home and I would find a filet of haddock, a cow's tongue or a wonderful bowl veggies and she would exclaim 'now I know what we will have for supper', Living by Faith was her motto and she exemplified so in her life. Keeping kids quiet in church, there was no nursery, was quite a feat but together we accomplished most services with little disruption. I look back now and see how God was using the Mains to feed me. I was truly blessed to have them in my life and I will cherish every moment until I am called Home. The photos are some memories of GM days. I did not dare to put the one I found of Mrs up, she may decide to haunt me. 😀😀😀 Love you all, sorry Thom, I never got to know you but you all were in our thoughts & prayers. Thinking of you all Laurene & Terry

Published May 7th, 2024

Andrew and Ann McMullen

We were blessed to have Gwen and Steve as neighbors. Gwen always brought laughter into the room. She listenned compassionately and loved unconditionally. She moved wherever God led Steve and her in ministry whether it was a cold or hot location; whether they would be rich or poor. She served God faithfully and wholeheartedly. She brought joy to so many and now she is brining joy to many in heaven as she praises God! We are looking forward to seeing her again!

Published May 7th, 2024

RODNEY L CHRISTENSEN

I had the privilege and honor of having Gwen and Stephen as neighbor's. It seemed like such comfortable feeling visiting/talking with Gwen and her special way at times.ha .Gwen will surely be missed! I want to express my condolence to Gwen's family for their loss May God bless you all.

Published May 7th, 2024

Ruse Mike

So sorry for your loss. Mike and Tammy Ruse

Published May 6th, 2024

Ellen Greene

I remember Gwen and her husband and have wondered about them at times-I'm a Grand Mananer-I was a teen when they were here-great people-sorry to hear you ave lost such a treasure

Published May 7th, 2024

Stephen F. Main

Published May 7th, 2024

Aaron Scamihorn

What is your favorite memory shared with Gwen?

I have been honored to have known Grandma Gwen for almost a quarter of a century! She was always the most welcoming and warm presence and treated me like a grandson from day one! She will be deeply missed but her presence and impact on our lives will never be forgotten.

Published May 7th, 2024

Arnold Stairs

Sending my condolence to you and the family , praying for you during these difficult days

Published May 7th, 2024

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