MACHIAS – Mabel G. Bowles, 82, wife of Leonard Bowles, died Dec. 13, 2009, in Machias. She was born Aug. 11, 1927, in East Machias, the daughter of Jeremiah and Josephine (Crosby) Griffin. Mabel graduated from Washington Academy in 1944 and attended business college in Bangor before working in advertising at Berger Brothers, New Haven, Conn. She married Leonard Bowles, in 1950, and worked for the Air Force until the couple moved to Orono, in 1952. Her sons were born in Orono before they moved to Lexington, Mass., in 1961. In Lexington, Mass., Mabel became very active at Hayden Center, where she learned to swim and to figure skate. Highlights were swimming more than 500 miles, joining the synchronized swim team and skating in a show at Boston Gardens. She was also busy at First Parish Church and worked at its clothing exchange for many years. Mabel and three Lexington, Mass., lady friends made an extensive safari tour in Africa. This led up to the many tours and cruises she made with Leonard after his retirement. In 2000, the couple returned to Maine and enjoyed their modern house on the water in Machias. The cabin on Bog Lake was now close at hand also. However, after heart failure in 2003, Mabel’s health steadily declined limiting her activities greatly. In addition to her husband, Mabel is survived by two sons, Gregory and wife, Dorothea, of Plymouth, Mass., and Brian and grandson, Scott, of La Mesa, Calif. She also leaves a sister, Marjorie Dowling of East Machias; a brother, Paul Griffin of Pelham, N.H.; and sisters-in-law, Jennie Griffin of Windsor, Conn., and Mary Colwell of West Gardiner. Mabel was predeceased by a son, Mark; three brothers, Leroy, Albert and Floyd; and a sister, Evelyn. The family thanks the folks at Davis Estates and Marshall Healthcare for her care throughout the past two years. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Centre Street Congregational Church, Machias. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Alzheimer’s Association, 170 U.S. Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105 or to a charity of your choice. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias. www.bragdonkelley.com
MABEL G. BOWLES
