Irene M. Bowse

Gardner-Irene M Bowse (Forsyth), 95, daughter of Percy & Rosa Forsyth, passed away peacefully on September 14th with family by her side.  Irene will be greatly missed by all that knew her.  

 

She was born in Brighton, Massachusetts and raised on a farm in Sudbury along with her 10 siblings.  She graduated from Sudbury High School in 1945.  Coming from a large family, she developed a great sense of humor and a very competitive nature.

A long time Gardner resident, she raised six children with her husband George.  She was a devoted member of the Annunciation Parish where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Some of her travels included religious sites in Ireland and a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia, not to mention excursions to New Orleans and the West Coast.

Besides running her household, she worked several different jobs including many years as a server at the Old Mill and Williams Restaurants, always taking the summers off to be with her children.  Later in life, she became a successful real estate agent.  
Irene had many diverse interests and talents including water and snow skiing, candlepin bowling, ping pong and swimming. She was a member of Gardner Municipal Golf Course for several years. Known as ‘Extreme Gramma’ to her grandchildren, she would go sledding with them instead of just watching them. She also enjoyed playing cards (especially pitch and cribbage) and baking.  Her specialty was her homemade blueberry pies.  

 

Besides her parents and all but one sibling, she is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, George; son Michael; and infant daughter Patricia.  

 

She is survived by her sons Walter and wife Kathleen Bowse of Nottingham, New Hampshire, George and wife Jane Bowse of Shady Cove, Oregon, Mark Bowse of Ashburnham; daughters Kathleen Bowse-Hatfield of Westminster, Bonnie and husband James Marabello of Gardner; brother Patrick and wife Ann Forsyth of Chelmsford; (8) grandchildren and (9) great grandchildren; plus many nieces and nephews.

 

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Heywood Hospital, Heywood Wakefield Commons and the Binnall House, as well as, Irene’s care givers Marie and Torie for their kind, considerate and dedicated care of our mother.  

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels at - https://www.mocinc.org/donate
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell St. Gardner, Ma 01440,  a burial to follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Gardner.

 

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 9:15-10:15am at Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St. Gardner.

 

To leave an online condolence, please visit www. mackfamilyfh.com
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, Funeral Directors