Obituary of Marjorie B. Bowen

Marjorie B. Bowen Marjorie B. Bowen died in Belfast at age 94 on April 12, 2011. Born December 29, 1916 in Montville, Maine, she was the daughter of Clinton and Lucy (Hall) Wing. She was the widow of Melvin Wood who was killed-in-action in Belgium during World War II. She next married Laurence K. Bowen, with whom she had three children, Linda, Darrell, and Tom. Marjorie and Laurence raised their young family in Camden where Laurence operated a small lumber mill while Marjorie devoted her time to nurturing her children’s needs and interests. The family valued spending time together in beautiful, peaceful outdoor settings. Evening picnics beside Levenseller Pond were a favorite pastime, as well as overnight stays at Laurence’s camp in the Morrill woods. When the children were older, Marjorie became employed by the State of Maine, providing Homemaker Services to elderly and disabled individuals. She found this employment extremely fulfilling, as with this service individuals who might otherwise require nursing home care were able to continue living independently in their own homes. Until her recent illness, Marjorie was fortunate in that she was able to live independently in her own apartment. Her home was consistently a comfortable, attractive and welcoming place to which family and friends naturally gravitated, sure of the friendly warmth they would find within. She would offer up a game of SKIP-BO to all of her visitors, and would usually win! Marjorie took care to ensure there were always toys, books and puzzles to entertain her smallest visitors. Her greatest joy was experienced in the presence of the beloved children in her life. She looked forward with great anticipation to weekly visits with her little great-granddaughters Ava and Ally with whom she shared special treats, stories, laughter, and hugs. Her last excursion in the outdoors took place two days before she died when she held these precious great-grandchildren on her lap while her daughter and granddaughter struggled to push them in a borrowed wheelchair up and down hills and across the Belfast Bay Footbridge. Marjorie dearly loved her younger sister Madlyn, with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished memories. Marjorie and Madlyn, along with their sisters Myrtle and Virginia, were characterized by their classic beauty, by their gentle, soothing voices, by their love of laughter, and by their warm, vibrant personalities. Each of the four Wing sisters, like their mother before them, was a generous and giving woman who endeavored to brighten the lives of others. Through-out her life, Marjorie was someone with whom one could unburden one’s deepest sorrows or worries. In her calm and gentle manner, she would help the other person regain a sense of equilibrium and optimism. Marjorie was a woman with a strong faith in God, and her personal Bible is well-worn and notated with her reflections. She was also a woman who approached life with deep humility and enduring compassion. She was very grateful for the circle of family and friends who enveloped her so closely and compassionately in her final days. Marjorie was pre-deceased by three brothers, Albert, Austin and Maurice Wing, who died during childhood. She was also pre-deceased by her sisters Myrtle Simmons and Virginia Rossiter, by her children’s father, Laurence Bowen, and her daughter-in-laws Teresa Bowen and Shari Wight. Marjorie is survived by her sister Madlyn Carr, as well as by her three children Linda Brissette and husband Danny; Darrell Bowen and partner Janet; and Tolman Bowen. She is also survived by her grandchildren Heather, Heidi, Christopher, Kevin, Lara, Benjamin, Marissa, Jasmine, and Malory, as well as Daniel whom she loved like a grandchild, and all of their family members. Marjorie also has fifteen much loved great-grandchildren, many well loved nieces and nephews, a special sister-in-law Elsie Bowen, and devoted friends Ruth Jackson and Harriet Wing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Marjorie’s memory regularly bestow acts of kindness upon others.