Lily BOWLES

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BOWLES: Lily Margaret, beloved wife of the late Lloyd Bowles passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 22, 2012. Mom was born on February 23, 1924 to William John and Lily May McBean in her Grandmother's home at Welwyn, Saskatchewan. She was raised near Manson on the farm with older brothers Donald and Gordon. After graduating from high school she attended Normal School in Winnipeg, then taught for three years at McAuley and Wynona schools. While teaching at Wynona she met Dad and on February 8, 1947 they were married and resided on the Bowles farm near Reeder. Sharon was born east of Willen where they moved next. Eventually they moved to Willen where Gary was born, then Bev, Delbert and Lorrie. In 1961 the family moved to Elkhorn where Rodney was born. Mom resumed teaching in 1962 at Kirkella. Other schools were Cromer, Hargrave, Virden, Lenore and Elkhorn. After completing her day at school, she would drive home to work with Dad doing books at their garage - L&M Service. The garage was sold in 1979 and Mom retired from teaching in 1985. They enjoyed music very much and belonged to the Twilight Travellers - Dad on the fiddle and Mom on the accordion. Mom taught herself as a teenager to play guitar and accordion and she loved to yodel. Mom and Dad loved to entertain and had many good jams with friends and family. Her Scottish heritage was important to her. She taught Sharon and Lorrie to highland dance and would often have her students perform Scottish dances at their concerts. One of the greatest highlights of her retirement was a trip to Scotland with Dad and brother Don, meeting relatives and touring many sites including her father's home town. Mom was actively involved in her community. She belonged to the Women's Institute, Royal Purple, the United Church Circle Group, the Leisure Center, curled, coached hockey and enjoyed playing bingo. She also enjoyed selling Beauty Counsellor Products for many years and it also served as a great way to socialize with many friends. She loved her family dearly and attended most of her children and grandchildren's sporting events, including hockey, baseball, curling and soccer until last winter when no longer physically able to. Due to poor eyesight mom was no longer able to watch games, but she listened to Jason and Sherri's hockey games from New York and Edmonton on the internet and would check out Shawn and Bradley's scores as well. She was always excited to listen to Candace on the radio at CKLQ! Grandma received lots of hugs and kisses from her grandchildren during their last visit and when Kinsley broke into song with “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” it put a big smile on Grandma’s face. She will be lovingly missed by her children Sharon (Allen) Pedlow, Ryan (Jonathan), Krista (Jon) Penner, Kinsley and Jackson: son Gary: daughter Bev: son Delbert (Sally), Candace, Jason, Sherri, Shawn, and Bradley: daughter Lorrie and son Rodney (Jennifer), Justin and Cody. She also leaves to mourn two sisters-in-law, Lily and Ethel Bowles. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, parents William and Lily, brothers Donald and Gordon and nephew Doug McBean; brothers-in-law Fred and Dennis Bowles. The funeral was held August 28, 2012 at Trinity United Church in Elkhorn with Marianne Olfrey officiating. Pallbearers were grandsons Ryan Pedlow, Jason, Shawn and Bradley Bowles, Justin Beamish-Bowles and Jonathan Ducrest. The eulogy was read by Ryan Pedlow and Sherri Bowles. Special music by Jerry Lund. Everyone in attendance were considered Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, donations may be made to Elkhorn Trinity United Church Memorial Fund or Heart and Stroke Fund. Interment took place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Carscadden's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.We love and miss you Mom!

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 15, 2012