Mary Bowie

Mary (Murphy) Bowie, 93, of Newington, formerly West Hartford, beloved wife of the late Thomas B. Bowie, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 6, 2013. Mary was born on September 23, 1920 one of seven children born to the late Thomas L. and Catherine (Powell) Murphy. Mary graduated from East Hartford High School and worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford as an Inspector for engine components. Mary and Tom were married on October 28, 1950. This began a 51 year partnership until Tom's passing in 2001. Mary was a stay at home Mom until her children were in school. At that time, Mary began her second career, first working at Mercer and Dunbar Payroll Services, then the job she truly enjoyed jewelry associate at Michael's Jewelers at the WestFarms Mall. Mary was the first employee hired at that Michael's location. Mary retired in the late 80's when she and Tom began the next phase of their lives. Mary was a lifetime member of the Irish American Home Society. In 1990, Mary and Tom were recognized for their dedication in promoting Irish culture as founding members of the Irish American Society Feis in Glastonbury. Mary was a member of the West Hartford Democratic Women's Club and St. Francis Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. Mary leaves her daughter and son-in-law whom she made her home for the past 5 years, Katherine Green and her husband Gordon of Newington, her sons, Thomas of Hammond, NY and Kevin of Tampa, FL; her much loved grandson Michael Spalla and his wife, Elise (Golembeski) of Newington. Mary is survived by her wonderful sister, Helen Miggins of Farmington and her sister- in- law, Katherine Reynolds of West Hartford. Mary leaves Gordon's children Tom (Toni) of Bethany, Steven (Melody) of Cheshire and Dan (Lilly) of New Britain. Grandma Mary leaves Devlin (Steven), Natylee and Nolan (Tom). Mary leaves 13 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. Mary also leaves a close family friend, Meredith Henry. Mary was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Cecilia and Arthur Mulligan, Elizabeth and John Scully, her sister Catherine Glasson, her brothers, Thomas and Francis Murphy; her brothers-in-law John Miggins and Thomas Reynolds, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marion and Frank Erwin and her niece Anne Bowie Reynolds and a great-nephew Jake Scully. Mary enjoyed her trips to Foxwood and Mohegan Sun with Tom and two of her sisters, Catherine and Helen. In addition, Mary and Tom traveled to Ireland and Italy with family. These trips they truly enjoyed. Mary was the lone Yankee fan in a Red Sox family. Until recently, Mary loved attending UCONN football games and UCONN Men and Women basketball with her daughter and son-in-law. Mary would cheer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as part of her Tampa connection. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 11, at 10 am at the Church of St. Mary, 626 Willard Avenue, Newington. The family requests all to meet them directly at the Church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Hartford. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 10, from 5 to 8pm at The Sheehan- Hilborn- Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Memorial donations may be in Mary's name to Northwest Catholic High School, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford 06117 or Jubilee House, 40 Clifford Street, Hartford, 06114. We would like to thank Marissa, Carissa, Rose and Jackie from Visiting Angels and Interim Home Health and Hospice, especially Elaine for all their love and care. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.