Ethelyn Travis

Ethelyn Levina (Kinney) Travis September 17, 1922 - October 1, 2025.

With loved ones by her side, Ethelyn passed away just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. Just two weeks earlier, on the eve of her 103rd birthday, she found herself in the ER at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, Maine. In a remarkable gesture, the ER team surprised her with a party, complete with song, cake, ice cream, coffee, and an outpouring of love. Ethelyn's family was deeply moved by this thoughtful celebration, which paused the reality of her hospitalization and honored her in the most beautiful way. The family will be forever grateful for the compassion and care the ER team showed during her six days there.

Ethelyn was born in Danforth, Maine, the second of eight children, to Hazel (Price) and Raymond Kinney. Her early years were challenging, and she grew up quickly, often caring for her younger siblings. The family endured two house fires and learned to conserve every possible resource to meet their needs. Soon after graduating from Danforth High School, Ethelyn married the love of her life, Archie Edwin Travis of Mattawamkeag, Maine. They welcomed their first child, Caroline D. (Travis) Tully, in 1941, and their second child, Elaine Ruth (Travis) Guevin, two years later. Ethelyn and Archie moved to Bangor in 1942, where Archie enlisted in the U.S. Navy, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1948. He had trained as a watch repairman, continued employment at Dow Air Force Base, and eventually opened a radio repair business. After attending cosmetology school, Ethelyn opened "Ethelyn's Beauty Salon" in their Bangor home. She built a loyal clientele for decades, forming lasting friendships along the way. She also developed a treasured network through the Maine State Cosmetology Association, serving as State President from 2000 to 2002. Her work with the organization allowed her and Archie to travel across the country for industry conventions, visiting cities including Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis, Dallas, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

Ethelyn and Archie were active members of All Souls Church in Bangor. Ethelyn devoted countless hours to the Women's Fellowship and community volunteer work. Archie served on the church's grounds and maintenance committee, where he discovered a deep appreciation for stained glass, which led to his own creations. Together, they established a small business creating stained glass pieces, treasured by many. In the years that followed, Ethelyn lovingly crocheted beautiful afghans, often gifting them to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ever thoughtful, she saved leftover yarn from each blanket for future repairs-a reflection of her kindness, creativity, devotion to family, and practical nature. Ethelyn dedicated many years to the American Cancer Society's "Look Good ... Feel Better" program, facilitating workshops at local hospitals and offering comfort and confidence to women undergoing cancer treatment. She and a fellow volunteer were recognized at the program's 20th anniversary for their efforts in assisting women in the Bangor area and training other beauty professionals, helping the program reach people across the state. She also devoted decades of volunteer service to the Garden Club Federations of Maine. Ethelyn was honored on her 80th birthday at Pilot's Grill in Bangor, surrounded by about 50 family members and friends, wearing a pale blue and white corsage-her favorite colors. She loved to bake, and her hand-written recipe cards for favorite treats are treasured by family and friends. Everyone who knew Ethelyn was touched by her kindness and hospitality, and she was deeply loved throughout her 103 years.

Ethelyn was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Archie Travis; her daughter Elaine Guevin; brothers George Kinney and Raymond Kinney Jr.; and many close friends.

She is survived by her daughter Caroline (Travis) Tully of Bangor, Maine; grandchildren Tammy Putnam of Springfield, Massachusetts; Elizabeth (Beth) Peters of Shelburne, Vermont; John Guevin of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts; and Aaron Belmont Smith of St. Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren Ashley and Geoffrey Putnam; Liam and Maeve Collins. She is also survived by siblings Bernice (Betty) Chandler of Raleigh, North Carolina; Joan Tortoriello of Southwick, Massachusetts; Phyllis Cusson of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts; and Richard (Dick) Kinney of Merrillville, Indiana.

Ethelyn will rest in peace beside her beloved husband, Archie, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor. The family plans to formally celebrate her life in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, All Souls Church, or other charitable organizations meaningful to the family