We Remember
BOWEN, Helene Norma
November 22, 1923 — September 27, 2017
Mom passed away at Lakeview Lodge in Westbank, B.C. She was just shy of her 94th birthday.
Mom was born in Edmonton on November 22, 1923 to William and Xena Harris. After spending her younger years in Lloydminster and Trail, she went to Normal School in Victoria to become a teacher. Following a stint as a teacher, Mom earned a degree in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba where she met our Dad. She then travelled over much of B.C. helping Dad with his field work as a civil engineer with Indian Affairs. She and Dad moved to Ottawa when we were young as our Dad was transferred there for work. Later, after Dad retired, Mom and he moved out to B.C. to be with their sons and families. During all this time, Mom sacrificed so much of her time and talents for her family, always encouraging, caring, and loving.
Mom had a passion for painting and, in particular, water colours. She took a lead role in the arts community in Ottawa with the Bells Corners Art League, art lending, and with a group of water colour artists called Aqua Media that she helped to found. During our teenage years, she used her interior design degree while working for a short time at Gordon Burroughs Interior Design firm in Ottawa.
Mom was predeceased by our dad George Bowen and leaves behind two sons: Jordie (George) Bowen, his wife Laurie and their daughter Catherine; Rob Bowen, his wife Suzanne and their sons Jonathon and Ross. She also leaves behind her sister Shirley and husband Karl and their daughters Susan and Dorothy.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at 3834 Brown Road, Westbank, B.C. Memorial donations on Mom’s behalf can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Friday, October 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m
Share with Others:
Service Information
Service Details
The service for BOWEN, Helene Norma is scheduled for Friday, October 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Helene was a very gracious loving lady, and attended our 50th Wedding Anniversary, our sympathy to the Bowen families.
Our sincere sympathy to the Bowen families, Our prayers are with you at this time.. Stan & Roxie Meredith (Friends of Tim & Sandra)
Jordie and Rob — so sorry to hear of your great loss of your dear mother. It has been many years since I have seen her as she and your family occasionally visited us at Shadow Hill Farm when you lived here in Ottawa. I hope you are comforted by remembering her and the memories you all share.
Sincerely Phyllis
Although we have never met, we are the couple that you have likely seen on the 4th floor of the Miravista Apartment building across from you. Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your Mother.
Peter & Janet.
My sincere condolences to Jordie, Rob and families. Helene was a gracious, elegant and talented lady, she will be missed. We knew both Helene and Bob as neighbours (207) at The Pointe and appreciated them both so much. My prayers are with you at this time,
Catrina (Roy) Ward
Hi Jordie – I’m sorry to be so late. I was very saddened to hear about your mom. Lots of pretty cool memories about Bell’s Corners – I was telling a friend about the snapping turtle story last night!