JESSIE N. BOWLES

With gratitude for a long life, well lived, we announce the death of Jean Maybelle Jessie Nugent Bowles. Born June 11, 1930, in Toronto, to Maybelle Purdom and C. E.(Ted) Nugent. Died May 26, 2025, in Victoria. Before 15, Jessie lived through the Depression, WWII, and the death of her mother. She attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto at 16, where she was awarded the Silver Stick and met her future husband, Richard Bowles. Marriage and motherhood followed soon after graduation. While juggling five children and successive homes in Caesarea, Kirkland Lake, Toronto, and Port Perry, Jessie was a panelist on the National Commission on the Status of Woman, hosted a consumer radio show on CBC, earned a Masters of Education at her alma mater, taught Food Science at the college and high school level, and even trained as a clown! The farm at Kolapore was her refuge, where she made delicious meals and lasting memories with all her progeny and their families. Survived by her five children, Rick (Teri), Jean (Glen), Karen (Scott), Patricia (Geoff) and Ted (Laura); remarkable grandmother to Stefanie (Matt), Pamela, Vanessa (Evan), Dean (Kristina), Evan (Alexie), Grant, Jesse (Arrow), Jason, Bronwyn (Jacob), Alexander (Emily), Frieda (Liam), Matt (Nyla), and nine great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Richard, her husband of 65 years; brother, Ted; father; and adopted mother, Marjorie Westman. Although blind in her final years, she never lost her love for life or her ability to connect with others and the world around her, especially Canadian politics. She was determined to vote in this past election and relieved by the result. A resilient, intelligent, loved, woman.