Bessie Margaret Bowden

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