Monica Mary Bower

Monica Mellor Bower, age 90, of Southbury, formerly of Newtown, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025. Born in the Bronx, New York, she was the daughter of Mary Grace and Lawrence Mellor. Monica was predeceased by her husband, William Patrick Bower, brother Edward Mellor and sister-in-law Kay Mellor, brother Patrick Mellor and her sister-in-law Ann Marie Bower.
Monica is survived by her six children: William Bower (Michelle) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Patrick (Mary) Bower of New Fairfield, CT, Michael (Michelle) Bower of Newtown, CT, Monica (Greg) McLean of Andover, MA, and Terrence (Rose Vancho-Snow) Bower of Milford, CT, and Regina Bower of Southbury, CT. She is also survived by her sister, Maureen Fitzsimmons and fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
As a child, Monica loved ice skating, movies, and was a self-described tom-boy. She loved her family and her extended family with all her heart. She would reminisce often about her Poppa Paddy, her Uncle Eddie, and her grandmother Nanny Jessie. She loved being Maureen's older sister. Her young life taught her life lessons about serving others; Monica took care of her blind grandmother during her teenage years, even coming home from her high school during lunch to do so. It also taught her about the importance of family.
Monica was a graduate of Aquinas High School. She started her career at the Royal Canadian Bank in Manhattan and worked there for several years. At a CYO dance, Monica's orange dress caught the eye of Bill Bower, they dated and eventually married in 1956. They started their life together in a grounded houseboat on City Island, then to Fordham Heights, Mamaroneck, and Stamford before finally settling in Newtown, where they raised their family.
Always one to give back, Monica was an active member of her community and devoted countless hours volunteering. She served as a Den Mother, Christmas Bazaar Chair, St. Rose Carnival worker, and worked alongside her husband to establish the Home School Association at St. Rose School. She was also deeply involved in the development of the St Rose Sports Guild, which was later incorporated into Newtown's Parks and Recreation System.
After raising her family, Monica tried her hand at entrepreneurship - opening a storefront known as Marketeers on Main Street in Danbury. She eventually returned to work at the United States Postal Service working in the Westport, Weston and Saugatuck offices. In retirement, she remained passionate about helping others; she held walk-a-thons to fundraise for the Heritage Village Ambulance Association and volunteered weekly at the Safe Haven Thrift store. She also joined many clubs at Heritage Village and loved playing canasta and mahjong with her friends.
Monica's greatest joy came from spending time as "Nanny" with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly called the "Lil' guys." Her kindness, warmth, and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She had a knack for being well-met, and her genuine nature made everyone feel special and welcome.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 1:30 pm. All are asked to meet at the church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Newtown. Friends may call at Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South, Southbury, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, between the hours of 3pm and 7pm. The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury is honored to have been entrusted with Monica's arrangements. For directions, or to leave a message of remembrance for the family, please visit www.carpinofuneralhome.com.
Monica was a rare soul. She was more than just a good mother; she was a great human being. Her kindness, beaming smile and loving nature will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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