Hazel F. Bowen's Obituary
Hazel F. Bowen age 91, of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 09, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, August 28, 1920, the only child of the late Edward A. and Hazel L. (Miller) Fleet. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Capt. William E. Bowen, Jr., who died on November 18, 1987.
Mrs. Bowen raised her children in Reedville, VA, until the mid sixties when they moved to Salisbury, MD. She particularly enjoyed all her family, friends, neighbors and experiences of her last 13 years living in Lewes, DE. During WWII, while her husband served in the Pacific with The U.S. Army, she worked for the U.S. Naval Proving Grounds in Dahlgren, VA., manufacturing ammunition, explosives and armaments for the war effort. She and her family spent many enjoyable summers in Lewes, DE in the late 50's and early 60's while Capt. Bowen worked with the Menhaden Fishing Fleet. Lewes was one of the largest landing ports in the country, serving as home base for a fleet of 25 ships employing over 650 crew members. While living in Salisbury, Hazel worked for Royal Formal and Bridal Shop for over 20 years and very much enjoyed every one of the young brides and their families she helped. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Elks Lodge, a frequent participant with "The After Lunch Bunch", and a very active member of the Zion United Methodist Church Women's Auxiliary, all of Salisbury. After retiring to Lewes, Mrs. Bowen became a member of The Henlopen Grange, where she met many new friends. She enjoyed her new home and her screened porch where she would most often be found, simply enjoying the sounds of summer and the shade of her trees.
Mrs. Bowen's family was the center of her life and she enjoyed going camping and cross-country vacationing with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and trips to "the cabin" with her closest-extended family Roxie Rogers and Alyson Triglia. She was deeply loved and will sorely be missed by her family and all who knew her.
She is survived by her only son; William E. Bowen, III & wife Margaret of Griswold, CT, and two daughters; Judith Richardson & husband Lee of Ocean City, MD and Mary Lou Elrod & husband Michael, D.C. of Lewes, DE, 6 grandchildren; Edward A. Bowen & wife Anne of Salem, CT, Christopher M. Bowen & wife Traci of Mystic, CT, Sgt. Matthew J. Gladding, US Army, of Seaford, DE, Todd Richardson & wife Cheryl of Salisbury, MD, Kelley Nance & husband Michael, D.D.S., of Salisbury, MD and Katie Elrod of Lewes, DE. She will also be missed by her eleven deeply beloved great grandchildren; Kate, Nicki, Mark, Jack, Phoebe and Luke Bowen and Kate, Miller, Murphy, David and Jameson Gladding.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE, on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM.
A public Memorial Service will be held at The Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 4:00 PM. The family will begin greeting friends at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.
Interment will be a private family event.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Meals on Wheels, 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958 or Delaware Hospice, !00 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, organizations that were much appreciated and thought highly of by Mrs. Bowen.
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