Elsie Margaret Bowes

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elsie Margaret Bowes of Strathadam, wife of the late George Edward Bowes, on February 25, 2025 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, with daughter Belinda and son in law Darren by her side. She was 84 years old. 

Born in Alticane, Saskatchewan, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Anna Bartko and the sister to the late Joe. 

Elsie is survived by her children, Brenda of Hamilton, ON, Thad (Lucy) of Hendersonville, NC, Alex of Toronto, ON and Belinda(Darren Shaddick) of Strathadam NB, her grandchildren Jennifer, Ashley, Cassidy, Greta, Georgia, Jared and Owen, and great grandchild Everett. She will also be missed by her sisters in law Mary, Peggy and Elva, all of Miramichi NB, and her dear childhood friend of 78 years, Louise Gibney of Fallis, Alberta. Elsie also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. 

Elsie and George met in the Air Force in 1961 where they quickly fell in love and married three months later. They shared a beautiful life until George passed away in 2018. 

Elsie attended Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Women’s Auxiliary. Elsie supported George’s commanding officer role in the 315 Air Cadet Squadron for many years but all who knew them, knew who the true commanding officer was. After daughter Belinda was diagnosed with diabetes at age 3, she volunteered for the Canadian Diabetes Association for several years. In true mother warrior mode, Elsie did everything possible to make Belinda’s diagnosis manageable. 

Elsie was her children’s greatest supporters and was immensely proud of them, especially seeing them raise their individual families. Her children and grandchildren amazed her with their successes and admired them as they persevered through challenges. Elsie was always delighted when they visited and would spoil them with a menu of their favorite meals, desserts, lobsters and countless games of cards. She looked forward to their regular phone calls that often lasted hours. Mom was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage so pierogies and borscht were a regular family treat. 

Elsie and George enjoyed travelling and did so often to visit Brenda and Alex in Ontario, Thad throughout the USA, and drove across Canada to visit her childhood friend and loved ones. There were many shopping trips to Maine, countless adventures with Belinda’s family and bus trip with Mary and Charlie in their later years. Elsie LOVED playing cards. She belonged to two special groups, one who played 45s every Thursday and one who played bridge for almost 50 years on Tuesdays. She loved to read, knit and watch Price is Right. Elsie took great pleasure listening to George sing in church and by the bonfire. 

Elsie’s family would like to express their gratitude for the care and compassion show to her by the exceptional nurses on 4east during her stay at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. Thank you for making mom’s most challenging time in her life easier. We will never forget your dedication. 

There will be no visitation or funeral as per Elsie’s wishes. As expressions of sympathy, a donation to the Miramichi SPCA or the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.