Janet Elizabeth (Sykes) Bowden

WELLS -- Janet Elizabeth (Sykes) Bowden, 78, of Locksmith Lane, died Saturday, April 3, 2010, at York Hospital in York, following a brief illness.

She was born in Lowell, Mass., on Sept. 23, 1931, and graduated from Lowell High School. On April 19, 1953, Janet married the love of her life, Richard H. Bowden. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in 2009.

Janet was predeceased by her husband of 56 years. Survivors include her son, Kevin Bowden and his wife Yvette of York, four daughters, Kathryn Clukey of Kennebunk, Kimberley Halsdorff and her husband James of Holden, Mass., Kristen Spofford and her husband James of Winchendon, Mass., Karrie Schiebler and her husband William of Auburn, Mass.; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Janet was also predeceased by her parents, Richard and Kathryn Sykes; and her brother Frank Sykes. She leaves her sister, Isabelle Sheperd, and her three brothers, Richard, Thomas and Henry Sykes.

Janet's greatest joy in life was spending time with her large and ever growing family. Janet and Richard spent several years wintering in Florida. In their retirement, they served as innkeepers at the Chebeague Island Inn for many years. Richard and Janet were 37-year residents of Holden, Mass., and moved to Maine permanently in 1990.

Janet continued her education at the former University of Lowell, now the University of Massachusetts Lowell where she earned a bachelor of science degree in Education. Janet worked for 25 years as an educator, the majority of those as a music teacher in the West Boylston, Mass. public school system. Janet was an active participant in the musical community in the Worcester area for many years. She enjoyed singing with the choirs that her husband directed, often featured as a soloist. Janet also co-wrote and directed several musical productions for the students of West Boylston, as well as teaching ballroom dancing in the adult education program.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Kenneth Squire officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel. www.bibberfuneral.com.
If desired, the family
encourages memorial donations
in her memory to:
The American Lung
Association of Maine
122 State St.
Augusta, Maine 04330