Bertha Lee "Glass" Bowens

Bertha Lee "Glass" Bowens, 74, born in Hartford, departed this life on Tuesday, (July 8, 2003) at Saint Francis Hospital after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Risco Glass and Leila Brown Glass. She was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church of Windsor, where she sang in the Jordon Choir, the Sanctuary and Concert Choir. She was the manager of "Tony Bowens and his Soul Choppers," where she was called "Mamma Soul Chopper." She worked in the Hartford School System for many years in numerous departments. She also worked for Early Childhood Development and Care Program. She gave music lessons to the youth, and played in "The Spa Band," "The Parkville Band," "The Senior Citizen Band" and "The Sam Kimball Silver Tone Salvation Army Band." She played the piano, drums and other various instruments for the seniors. She was a foster parent. She also worked with the disabled and the aging groups of Hartford. She is survived by two daughters, Dianne Bowens Johnson of Hartford, and Anna Soto of Waterbury; two sons, Lonnie S. Bowens, III of Chicopee, MA, and Phillip Andrews of New Britain; two sisters, Rosie Glass Isabell and Lillian Glass Payne, both of Hartford; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Lonnie Bowens, Jr.; her son, Anthony "Tony" Bowens; her brother, Risco Glass, Jr.; and her grandson, Michael R. Bowens. Calling hour will be held Wednesday, July 16, 11-12 Noon at Hopewell Baptist Church, 280 Windsor Ave., Windsor, followed by a funeral service at 12 Noon to 1 p.m. Fuqua Funeral Service, Bloomfield, has care of arrangements.