Lenora Kennedy Bowen

Lenora Kennedy Bowen, 70
KENNEBUNK -- Lenora Kennedy Bowen, 70, of Pleasant Street, died peacefully in the presence of her loving family on April 14, 2011, at Sentry Hill at York Harbor.
Lenora was born on April 11, 1941, in Malden, Mass., the daughter of Albert and Elsie (nee Shreider) Kennedy. She graduated from Malden High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Regis College in Weston, Mass. Lenora continued her education at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., and at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., earning her doctorate in education.
Lenora taught mathematics at Worcester Junior College and at Bunker Hill Community College. But, it was her love of cooking and the love of her husband, Stuart Bowen, which introduced her to restaurant management. Together they purchased the Williamsville Inn in West Stockbridge, Mass., and moved there with their family. The Inn has an 80 seat dining room and 16 guest rooms. Although it wasn't the original plan, Lenora became the chef of the Inn performing all aspects of the position. Over the next four years as her skills grew the Inn became well known for its cuisine. Many publications gave her creations high praise including Boston Magazine, Architectural Digest, and many, many inn guidebooks.
She and her family sold the inn and returned to Winchester, Mass., to create a new restaurant, LENORA, in Cambridge, Mass. The restaurant was a great success and was declared by the Boston Globe to be the second best restaurant in Boston behind only the Ritz Hotel.
When she was not operating her own restaurant she held numerous executive positions in food service management including Director of
Lenora Kennedy Bowen
Administration for Creative Gourmet in Charlestown, Mass., General Manager for the Publick House in Sturbridge, Mass., and Director of Corporate Administration for Flik Intl. in Mamaroneck, N.Y. She retired with her husband to Kennebunk in 2004.
Lenora was also a talented artist who enjoyed painting. She was a member of the Art Guild of the Kennebunks and the Northshore Art Association. She was also active in the Newcomer's Club in Kennebunk. She was much loved by all who met her.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Leonard in 1971. Lenora is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Stuart; their son, Scott Leonard Bowen and his wife Susan along with their children, Jillian and Thomas; and their daughter, Elise Leonard McGeehan and her husband Marc and their children, Alissa and Kara.
Following Lenora's wishes, there will be no calling hours or viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Parish at St. Martha's Church in Kennebunk on Wednesday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Co-celebrants will be Father Tom Murphy and Father Eugene Tully. Following the service there will be a celebration of Lenora's life at the Coastal House in Wells. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.
Should friends desire, memorial donations in Lenora's name
may be made to:
Beacon Hospice
42 Brickyard Ct.
York, Maine 03909