Doris R. Bowden

MANCHESTER -- Doris R. (Deslauriers) Vandal Bowden died Dec. 11, 2010, after a short illness.

She was born Phyllis Jean Cole to Beatrice Cole on June 24, 1929, and adopted by Yvonne Pelletier Deslauriers Briere. She was a lifelong resident of Manchester.

She was a graduate of two of Manchester's historic landmark schools: the St. George Parochial School, Class of 1942, and the Notre Dame Hospital School for Certified Nursing Assistants, Class of 1973.

She was employed for more than 40 years in the health care industry. She worked at the Masonic Home, Pearl Manor and Villa Crest nursing facilities. She was responsible for the naming of the Pearl Manor, Independent Living Wing of the Hillcrest nursing facility in Manchester.

She devoted her life to her favorite causes: children, caring for the elderly and rescuing animals. Her hobbies included reading love stories, medical books and journals, and cooking. Her whoopie pies, baked beans, and salted pickles were renowned in the New England area.

IN HER LIFE: She was predeceased by her husband of almost 50 years, Leander "Eddie" Bowden, and her beloved son, Stephen W. Bowden.

Mother to 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and many great- and great-great grandchildren, her immediate surviving family members include her daughter, Sandra Towle of Candia; her son, Donald Vandal of Hooksett; her daughter, Janice Donnelly of Manchester; her daughter, Karen Jean Asselin of Manchester; her daughter, Denise Laliberte of Bedford; her son, Bruce Vandal of Mystic, Conn.; her daughter, Kathleen Martin of Concord; her son, Gary Bowden of Manchester; and her daughter, LeeAnn Kirk of Manchester.

SERVICES: Private services will be held at the family's discretion. Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 State Route 101, Bedford 03110-4711. The McHugh Funeral Home, 283 Hanover St., Manchester, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.mchughfuneralhome.com.