Elizabeth "Leelie" Harwood Dow

Elizabeth "Leelie" Harwood Dow, 79, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The eldest of 6 children of Nancy and Bartlett Harwood Jr., Leelie was born in Boston and raised in Chestnut Hill, MA. She attended The Park School, The Windsor School, and graduated from The Madeira School, and Boston University, remaining a steadfast supporter of all four and a lifelong believer in education.

Leelie was fiercely loyal to her family, her friends, and the causes she believed in. She cherished her time in North Haven, ME—her beloved island summer home and family gathering place for generations. She was happiest sitting on the front porch on a sunny day, or working on a puzzle when the fog rolled in, always keeping a watchful eye on the "goings on" around her. She also treasured time spent at her winter home in Nokomis, FL, her "grandparent trap." Walking her dog, driving her Mustang, and enjoying fresh air and sunshine with a book in her hand were among the things she loved most during her time in Florida.

An avid sailor and equestrienne, Leelie found joy in teamwork—whether at the helm in a fresh southwest breeze or bringing out the best in her horse in the dressage ring.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Wells B. Dow, whom she married on North Haven in August 1975. Their love story began when they met as teenagers and grew into a partnership full of adventure, laughter, and deep devotion. Together they raised their family in Princeton, MA, where Leelie was the ultimate den mother to their four boys, fostering a home full of exploration, skiing, and camaraderie. In 2016, she and Wells moved to Plymouth, MA to be closer to family, carrying forward the traditions of togetherness she valued so deeply.

Leelie is also survived by her four devoted sons, her beloved daughter through marriage and 12 grandchildren who she loved endlessly; Christopher Dow and his wife Erin (Kennedy and G. Landon) of Hanover, NH; Brackett Dow and his wife Joan (Wilder, Ellis and Maslow) of Rockport, ME; Alex Dow and his wife Maureen (Ethan and Rylan) of Eagle, CO; Connor Dow and his wife Lianna (Thomas, Weston, and Cody) of Birmingham, AL; Alicia Pribramsky and her husband Mark (Elliot and Quincy) of Avon, CO. Leelie is also survived by her siblings, Bill Harwood of Portland, ME; Hilary Harwood of Yarmouth, ME; and Terry Harwood of Orford, NH.

Her legacy is one of love, loyalty, and a life lived fully—anchored by family, lifted by friendships, and guided by a deep appreciation for tradition and joy in simple moments.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice,120 Longwater Dr. Norwell, MA 02061.