Eugenia Bourne

1934 - 2025

Eugenia Bourne
Eugenia ("Genie") Whitefield Howe Bourne passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at age 90, after a life filled with creativity, enthusiasm, and a fierce love for the natural world.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1934, she grew up in Pennington and Madison. Genie attended Kent Place School, Bradford Junior College, and the New York School of Interior Design. She worked as a designer for Knoll Associates in New York City before marrying Allen Cushman Bourne. In 1963, they moved to Fairfield, Connecticut, where she later opened the area's first health food store, Mother Nature's Nutrition Center. Her entrepreneurial spirit never overshadowed her dedication to family; she structured her work around the daily routines of her three sons. She went on to enjoy a 30-year career in real estate with Merrill Lynch and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
A passionate naturalist and organic gardener, Genie was happiest outdoors: sailing on Long Island Sound, cross-country skiing, working in her garden, or simply marveling at the beauty of clouds and trees. She was also an accomplished artist, continually inspired by the visual world around her.
Her drive to be thoroughly engaged in life led to wide-ranging volunteer efforts. She monitored pesticides in Long Island Sound, founded a cancer survivors' support group, and taught literacy at the Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport. She valued deep friendships and formed lasting bonds through long walks, tennis, and dinners at the Fairfield Beach Club. She was also a lifelong learner, earning a bachelor's degree in Art History from Fairfield University in 1991.
Genie had a deep affection for animals-including dogs, cats, and even seagulls-and cared for all creatures with a protective spirit. She loved to travel and, later in life, journeyed far and wide with her companion, John Russell. Nantucket was especially close to her heart; she spent many Indian summer days there with family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Allen. She is survived by her sons Whit, Rob (with his wife Patti), and Alden (with his partner Kate), as well as her grandchildren Robbie, Lindsey, Amelia, and Charlotte, and her great-grandson Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Genie's memory may be made to your local animal shelter.