Bessie Margaret Bowden
Died: February 5, 2007 | Place: Meadowcroft Place Retirement Residence
Obituary
BOWDEN, Bessie Margaret
Peacefully, on February 5, 2007 in London in her 98th year. Daughter of Lillian and Reverend W. H. Smith, Bessie graduated from Victoria College, U of T in 1930, becoming a teacher before marrying John J. Bowden in 1935. His career included positions at Paterson Collegiate in Windsor, UTS in Toronto, and UWO’s Faculty of Education in London. After his death in 1970, Bessie lived in their house until aged 90, actively supporting London’s art galleries and the University Women’s Club; together, they had helped to found the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, London Region. She is survived by her sons John and his wife Leora of Ann Arbor Michigan, and Bruce and his partner Anna Gray of Toronto and Colborne, and by two grandchildren of Bruce’s previous marriage, Bruce and Bill, both in London. We are grateful to the staff members of Meadowcroft Place who have cared for her with kindness. Friends will be received by the family one hour prior to the Memorial Service which will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Monday, February 19, 2007 at 1 p.m., with Reverend Dr. David McKane officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations might be directed to the J. Bowden Memorial Award – University of Western Ontario, c/o Patricia McLaughlin, Faculty of Education, 1137 Western Road, London ON N6G 1G7. Online condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca
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Our sincere condolences to the Bowden Family on the passing of Bessie.
Henry taught with the late Jack Bowden when Althouse College of Education
was opened at UWO in 1965.
Dear Bruce and Anna and family: Your mother had a long and fruitful life and will be sadly missed. We send our sincerest condolences. Requiescat in Pace.
Peter and Hilary Neary and family
As I had not heard from Bessie nor the boys for several years, I thought she had passed on, so was very surprised when my daughter forwarded on her obit.
Bessie and my sister Ruth were good friends, and we had all kept in touch over the years. A lovely lady.