BERTHA F. BOWDEN
PENOBSCOT and EDDINGTON - Bertha F. Bowden, wife of the late Royden Bowden, died July 13, 2002, on her 94th birthday at a Brewer health-care facility. She was born July 13, 1908, in North Penobscot, the daughter of Raymond and Annie (Wilson) Hutchins. She made her home in Penobscot until 1991 when she came to live in Eddington with her daughter, Pauline Farrar. Bertha was a member of the Penobscot United Methodist Church, the Penobscot Chapter of the Eastern Star, the Penobscot Historical Society, and the United Methodist Ladies Aid. In 1960, she became interested in genealogy studying her own families and several others in Penobscot. Through this she made many wonderful friends throughout the country. She remained the town historian while she lived in Penobscot having a keen memory for facts and dates. She and her husband searched out 68 cemeteries in their town and Bertha published a book on this.

She is survived by her daughter, Pauline Farrar of Eddington; seven grandchildren, Sandra Seekins, Michael Dore, Brian Dore, David Farrar, Kathy Brancely, Steven Bowden, Dana Bowden; 12 great-grandchildren, Holly, Andrew, Scott, Mindy, Steven II, Kevin, Amanda, Adam, Frank IV, Jessica, Nicole, Jennifer; eight great-great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Gertrude Bowden Nickerson; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 56 years, she was predeceased by two sisters, Evelyn Bryant, Elizabeth Shibles; and her son, Leroy Bowden. A special thanks to her loving caregivers, Gail and Sue; the girls at Brewer Rehab; the Loving Touch, and New Hope Hospice.

Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Roger Tracy, pastor of East Eddington Community Church, officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, North Penobscot. Gifts in her memory may be sent to The United Penobscot Methodist Church, care of Jim McMahon, treasurer, RR1, Box 131B, Penobscot 04476.