Doris Bowe

MANCHESTER -- Doris Skinner Bowe, a retired schoolteacher and a passionate gardener, died at her home in Hillvale in Manchester Center on Nov. 26, 2005.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mrs. Bowe was raised in Staten Island, N.Y. She earned a degree in education from State University of New York Oswego and taught elementary school for many years in Staten Island, Long Island, N.Y., and New Jersey.

She married Robert Henry Bowe in 1951. For much of their married life, they lived in Long Island and Staten Island, moving upon retirement to Manchester Center. Mr. Bowe died in 1992. In recent years, Mrs. Bowe split her time between Vermont and Hobe Sound, Fla., where she gratified her love of decorating by collaborating with her daughter, Lisa Bowe, in residential remodeling projects.

Throughout her retirement years, Mrs. Bowe remained an avid volunteer, working at Hildene and the Manchester Health Services thrift shop. In Florida, she was active in the Port Salerno school reading program.

A loyal and compassionate friend, Mrs. Bowe could be found many evenings at the center of a close and jovial circle of companions. Even closer to her heart were her two children, Robert, who lives in Staten Island, and Lisa, a resident of Hobe Sound. Aside from her children, she is survived by her sister, Oonah Douglas, of Southfields, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held at Brewster Funeral Service, 34 Park Place, Manchester, on Saturday, Dec. 3. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church or the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Shaftsbury through the funeral home at Brewster Funeral Service, P.O. Box 885, Manchester, VT 05255.

For directions or to send e-mail condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Brewster Funeral Service, Manchester.