Catherine Merle Bowles
September 26, 1917 ~ January 27, 2011
Services:
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Fr. Raymond Schmidt celebrating and Fr. John Dakes co-celebrating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 31, 2011 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD where prayers will be recited at 7:00 PM.
Catherine Merle “Cattie” Bowles, 93, of Hollywood, MD, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born September 26, 1917 in Chancellorsville, VA, she was the daughter of the late Robert Wesley and Mary Jane Thompson Oliver. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bowles was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Douglas Bowles in 1997, her children; Thomas Richard Bowles and Mary Jean Gatton, her son-in-law’s Daniel William “Billy” Gatton and Charles Lawrence, granddaughter Danna Gatton and siblings; Agnes Brown and Thelma Coleman. Mrs. Bowles is survived by her children; Doris Lawrence (Charles, deceased) of Mechanicsville, MD, Douglas Bowles (Mary) of Hollywood, MD, Lorraine Nelson (James Larry) of Mechanicsville, MD, Cathy Johnson of Kansas City, MO, Eleanor Alvey (Robert) of Hollywood, MD, Donna Garrison (Steve) of Oklahoma City, OK, Phyllis Hall (Joe) of Chaptico, MD, Francis Bowles (Bonnie) of Hollywood, MD, and Wallace Bowles (Donna) of Hollywood, MD. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Catherine Oliver Bowles grew up in Chancellorsville, VA. The eldest of three, she spent a lot of time in St. Mary’s County at her Grandmother Thompson’s house in Hollywood. She enjoyed going to dances with her two aunts, Hope Adams and Agnes Tufte. It was at a dance that she met Thomas Douglas Bowles. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1936 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD by Reverend J. M. Johnson. In 1972, Mrs. Bowles started working in the cafeteria at Greenview Knolls Elementary School. She retired in 1982. After retirement and up until death, Mrs. Bowles volunteered at the St. Mary’s Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD. She was affectionatly known as “Mama Bowles” to both residents and staff. She was especially close to staff members Kim, Mike, Kellie, Brenda, and Erin. She loved all of the residents and considered them a part of her family. Mrs. Bowles had a deep faith in God and was often reading from her prayer book or saying her rosary. She never forgot to tell her family that she loved them and she prayed for them every day. Mrs. Bowles remembered all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s birthdays and would send each a birthday card every year. Catherine enjoyed life. When she wasn’t working or volunteering, she enjoyed reading spending time with her family, crosswords and puzzles, walking on the farm, and dancing. She was a truly remarkable person and loved by all that knew her. Her family and friends will truly miss her. The family will receive friends for Mrs. Bowles’s life celebration on Monday, January 31, 2011 at St. John’s Catholic Church from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Father Raymond Schmidt celebrating and Father John Dakes co-celebrating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Lawrence, Thomas Bowles, David Gatton, Joey Hall, Steven Alvey and Ray Bowles. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church, 43950 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
“” To the family of Grandma Bowles. We are so sorry to hear about your Mother,Grandma and Great-Grandmother. She always had a smile and something good to say to you. Remember all the good times you had with her and that will get you threw the days and weeks and months to come.Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.”
“Aunt Lorraine and family; Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. With all our love.”
“”I Love you Grandma Bowles.” You were the greatest of all Grandmothers and a blessing to all. You are an angel of love and life for all to wittness and you will forever be cherrished, and greatly missed.”
“TO ALL THE BOWLES FAMILY Our deepest sympathy to you all, it is unbelievable we just saw her at Mama’s funeral and less than 2 weeks she is also gone. She always had a smile and a hug for you, what a wonderful lady. We will truly miss her and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May all the wonderful memories you have of her help you through this sad time. lOVE AND Prayers Wayne and Joan”
“To the entire Bowles Family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers in days, weeks, and months to come. Losing someone so special leaves a huge void. May it help to know that others care and are praying for you. “
“”She” was a very special lady.I was grateful to have KNOWN her. May God comfort the Bowles family.”
“My favorite Memory of Mrs.Bowles was working in the activities in the nursing home.”
“To all the family. We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Mrs. Bowles (grandma) so much. She will be missed by so many people. Her smile and willing to help people was like a breath of fresh air. She was always on the go not for herself but always for someone else. We know she is in her special mansion in heaven. Thank you for being so special.”
“We love you Grandma Bowles. We will most certainly miss seeing you when we visit. You were a ray of sunshine in our lives. “
“Our condolences to you, May God’s Peace be with you.”
“Our prayers are with the family, and may she rest in piece”
“I had the pleasure of dancing with Mrs. Bowles at my mothers’s 80th birthday party in August of 2010. She was the first to arrive at the celebration that day, and she was “ready to party” – and so she did. I’ve had the honor of knowing Mrs. Bowles and her wonderful family my entire life. The picture you have of her here is completely how I will always remember her – the slight smile always present on her lovely face. God bless you Mrs. Bowles for all of the kindness you showed to everyone during your long life here on this earth; we will all miss you until, we meet again. Eleanor and Donna, I singled you out because you and I have been friends for so many years and are about the same age. I am sorry for the loss of your mother, I know that no matter how many years we have them losing a parent is never easy. I feel your loss and send you my love.”
“To the family of Mom Bowles, She was our second Mother and we loved her dearly. We will cherish so many good memories of time spent with her. May she rest in peace and God be with the family.”
“Stacey,Anna,Linda & family, So sorry for the loss of your Grandma. Even though I only met her a few times it was enough to know she was a great lady with a lot of spunk! You all will be in my prayers.”
“Mrs. Bowles was truly an outstanding and inspirational lady and will be greatly missed by all who knew her and came in contact with her. She always had a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bowles family during this time of sorrow. “
“WOW, What does one say about a wonderful honorable and noble woman? Mrs. Bowles I have known since I was in the first grade at Great Mills Elementary School. Over the years, I have seen her and visit with her with my mom. It is truly sad that she has passed. It’s a loss to the county. She made everyone happy who’s life she touched. Although, my heart is broken, I know she will live on in memory. To the family and many other friends of Mrs. Bowles, please know that she was a well loved and the most enjoyable lady who lived a great funfilled life and who served the county of St. Mary’s well. Mrs. Bowles, love you! “
“We were so blessed to have the pleasure of working with Momma Bowles for so many years. Momma dedicated countless hours to the residents; she truly loved and cherished her extended family, just as we love and cherish her. Her ‘hundreds of children’ as she would say are truly going to miss her. She was always an angle here with us, now she has her wings. Love you Always Momma! “
“To a very classy 2nd cousin. Involved in life’s actives. Full of love and hugs. She had a love for God and her family. May you rest in peace.”
“Family Of Aunt Catie, What a wonderful Lady always had a smile and a hug when ever you seen her, I was lucky to have such a wonderful Aunt and to be part of her family. We all love you Aunt Catie and may she rest in piece and the Lord be with all of her Family. “
“To The Family of Catherine Bowles: I would like to offer my sincere condolence to you! I remember her at the nursing center, she was such a good lady and very dedicated! May GOD uphold you with his ever redeeming love!”
“Grandma Bowles we are going to miss you very much. We will cherish all the memories we have spent with you. You were such a loving and caring women and I will also miss seeing you at the dinners you would come to. We love you and will never forget you.”
“A LADY with a smile and helping hand will be missed by all that knew her my thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
“Grandma, Me and my boy’s will miss you so much. You have touched so many people in your 93 years of life and the memories I have of you I will charish and carry with me forever. From packing my little red suite case with barbies and going to grandma’s house, all the boo boos you made all better,the first time you held my children in your arms, to the kiss I just got from you just yesterday those memories I will carry on with me for the rest of my life. You were truley the best Grandma/ great grandma anyone in the world could ask for. I know you are with pop pop now, and you will be watching over us all! I love you “
“Stacey, Anna, Joey and Doug; I am so sorry for your loss of your grandmother. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“I was blessed to have met Momma Bowles while working in Activities at the Nursing Center. She always knew how to brighten ones day. A hug and a kiss got the morning started every day I seen her. One of the most dedicated women that I have ever met. I will miss you Momma Bowels. Love you!”
“Grandma, I love you. I bet you didn’t have to stop on the way up and wait. I know the Lord let you right on in and you got your angel wings right away. I bet they are beautiful. I know you will be watching over all of us and will help guide us right. I bet Grand pop was sitting on his swing waiting for you along with Mammie & Poppa, Uncle Tommy and Aunt MaryJean. I also know you that Aunt Ceil, Aunt Thelma, Aunt Hope and Aunt Agnes were waiting with open arms. I Love You Grandma. Oh yeah give everyone a hug and kiss and tell Grandpop.”
“To the family of Catherine Bowles (Grandma Bowles) she was such a lovely lady and will be greatly missed. I remember attending her Great Granddaughters wedding and how she danced at her wedding. She said she loved to dance and she could move too. God bless her and her whole family. Take care and my God comfort each one of you. Beth and Ronnie Ward “
“We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Grandma Bowles, she was the sweetest and toughest lil lady! Thinking of you all at this difficult time. xoxo Casoni & Nelson Family”
“We Love you Grandma and we will miss you Dearly. You have alot of Family and Friends to continue to watch over. Love you always.”
“She was grandma to many and loved everyone. She met you with hugs and kisses. She was a great lady who enjoyed her family. There are many memories of growing up with her on her family farm. She will hold a special place in all the hearts of those she touched and prayed for. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She will be missed. “
“To Lorraine and the familly of Mrs. Bowles. So sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She was a great lady. The Lord has a new angel now. you are in our thoughts and our prayers.God bless all of you.”
“To the Bowles Family – My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Ms. Bowles was a lovely lady and and may she rest in peace with her darling angels. God Bless!!”
“To the Boweles Family : You have my heartfelt Condolences on the passing of Mamma Bowles there will never be another as caring as she was. Always there for everyone she gave of herself with out a thought I will truly miss her”
“The Saunders family extends our deepest condolences to Catherine’s loved ones. She was such a ray of sunshine to our beloved grandmas at the nursing center, and she will be greatly missed.”
“So sorry to learn of your loss. I worked with Cathy at Great Mills Elementary. She was a roll model and a great friend.”
“Dear Wally, Donna, Thomas, Philip, Andrew, and the entire Bowles Family: We are saddened by the passing of your beloved Mother/Grandmother! She truly left a fond and memorable impression with us and we will always remember the joy of being in her presence. She was a phenomenal lady with whom we enjoyed our conversations together. She was truly a blessing and a gift to our world, an inspiration to us all! Her legacy of 93 years is a most precious gift to always honor, cherish, and love. The passing of a Mother and Grandmother can be difficult at any age. Just know that her love for you is always yours. When you remember her, you’ll carry who she was with you always. She has left a mark of who she was on who you are. May the blessings and memories that she bestowed upon you during your lives shared together, always serve as your source of strength and comfort! We miss her!!!”
“Thinking of you all at this difficult time. May GOD uphold you with his ever redeeming love! “
“To all the Bowles family – I was so sorry to hear about ‘Catie’. I just saw her less than 2 weeks ago at my own Mother’s funeral. She was as sweet as ever and I was blessed to have spent some time with her there. Keeping you in my thoughts – Tism”
“Sorry to hear about Mrs. Bowles, we had a short visit Tuesday evening. She was such a “lady”, I enjoyed her very much. She’s at peace now. “
“I am so very sorry to hear of Mrs. Bowles passing. She truly was one of God’s angels here on this earth. If we could conduct ourselves with just a fraction of the kindness, love and grace that Mrs. Catherine did, we would surely feel God’s grace bestowed upon us. Rest in God’s eternal grace Mrs. Catherine. Love, Rhonda”
“Donna & All Family members of Momma Bowles; I always have and will continue to find it very difficult to write comments expressing sorrow and the regret of the passing of a loved one, especially those we feel very close too. Going back to the 1980’s when Catherine came to the Nursing Center volunteering her time and efforts in caring for each of the residents, she was and will always be remembered as Momma Bowles, The Goodwill Ambassador for the Residents of St. Mary’s Nursing Center always giving comfort and joy to those suffering from various discomforts. There is little that one can say to alleviate the sorrow or dull the pain caused by the lose of a loved one. We became friends while working in Leonardtown. It was our privilege knowing and socializing with Momma Bowles and she will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Smith Family, now living in NC, we express to you and other family members our sincere sorrow at your loss. She really should be cannonized as the Caring Saint of those in Need. Sincerely, George, Dot & Family “
“Karen and family, our deepest sympathy to you and your family, your Grand Mom was one of a kind and she made a better place for all of us. God Bless you all”
“Deepest Sympathy to the family of Momma Bowles. I have worked with Momma for 32 years at St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Momma would volunteer dailey, doing whatever she could to help to make the residents and staffs life more enjoyable. Always offering a hug and smile to everyone she met. Even when she could’nt drive she would be sure to have someone in the family bring her to the center. I last saw Momma on Monday in the hospital and she stated I have got to get out of here. Stating she had to get back to work at the home, “I have nails to do, people to help feed, people to visit.” I commented “Momma you do so much for people”, she replyed “O they give so much to me, I Love them all.” This was Momma always loving and giving so much to others. She Was The Best. Rest in peace, continue to watch over us from above, You will remain in my heart forever. Love You. “
“We send our best in your time of need. Mrs. Bowles was a wonderful woman around the family and farm not even counting the countless hours she spent at the nursing home being a wonder friend to people you did not have as many family and friends as she did. She will be missed but she is in good hands now. Please call if there is anything you need.”
“Mrs. Bowles was such a wonderful person.I remember her well when my own Mom was in the Nursing Center. We talked so often and she always had a hug and kind word for everyone.My family just loved her.Rest in peace sweet lady.Because I know you are in Heaven, with the sincerest condolences, Crystal, Craig & Lisa”
“Frank, Bonnie & Bowles Family, I am so sorry for your loss.”
“MOMMA BOWLES-SHARED SO MUCH GIFTED LOVE IN THIS WORLD-I WILL MISS YOU .”
“Prayers go out to the Bowles family, Catherine was loved and liked very much.”
“We are deeply saddened at the passing of Catie. She has been a good friend and wonderful neighbor to us. She will be greatly missed. Joey and Pauline”
“To the Bowles family! We were so sorry to hear that Mrs. Bowles had passed away. We will truly miss her. She always had a smile and hug for us whenever we saw her. She was a Saint on earth and we know she is in a better place now. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We know how much you will miss her. Sincerely, Son and Elaine Wood”
“To the entire Bowles Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great LADY! so kind and willing to help others, and we surely won’t forget her smiling face. We will cherish so many memories. Our lives are truly blessed just knowing her. She will be greatly missed. Much love to all the Bowles Family.”
“I met Mrs. Bowles when my mother was at the nursing center. My mother looked forward to her visits. Mrs. Bowles always had a kind word and a caring smile.”
“To the Bowles Family: Catie had the rare and unusual ability to “live in the moment and never get in a hurry” while covering so much territory. She took time for everyone she met and made you feel important to her. She told me once that she always wanted that “12th” child. She lived life to the fullest and is now with the many who have gone to prepare a place that she has earned. We could all take a few lessons from the way she lived. She is in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Doris & Family, sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great lady and Grandma. Did many things for others.She will be remember by everyone.God Bless You all. Sue & Crickett.”
“My Prayers & Sympathy go out to the Family. Mrs. Bowles was a lovely Lady with a heart of gold. Her time here & her presence inspired us all.”
“I am so sorry for your loss. Stacey and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“My thoughts and prayers go out to my dearest friend Lorraine and her family sorry for your loss and let me know if you need anything. Love you always.”
“We will surely miss her,especialy at 11.30 Mass,always ready to greet us with a hug and a kiss. Especially missed you today. We`ve been blessed knowing you.”
“Saddened to hear about your loss. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
“You will be missed greatly along with your kindness and generosity. You are in heaven now with your husband and children. May you rest in peace.”
“One more great menber of our family has gone to rest. All us in St. Mary’s are related in some way or another,in my case Mary E. Conner-daughter Louise E. Alvey (big mom). My best to the family, pep”
“You will be missed so much! We have been friends for many years and I will never forget all the lunches we shared together! You were such a wonderful and inspiring person to talk too! You will never be forgotten!! Rest In Peace!!”
“Grandma Bowles we loved you like you were our own family . You were and will remain a special part of our family. You are with God now and we know you will watch over us all from heaven. We will miss you and always love you.”
“I’m so sorry for your families loss I’m so glad I had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Bowles, she was always pleasant to be around, just know she lived a beautiful life.”
“We miss you already…. You were mom, mother-in-law and grandma to our family, but most of all you were my best friend. We were so blessed that you chose to spend the last six years of your life living with us. As a family we played games, read books, watched movies, played in the snow and went to church together. I know when you get to where you are going ( heaven) you will tell Douglas or Pop-pop all about the two grandsons (Thomas & Philip) he left behind and the one grandson (Andrew) that he never had a chance to meet. Tell him how much Andrew loved him and got to know him through the many pictures and stories that you shared with him. We are missing your kiss and hugs at bedtime, but you will always be in our prayers. “WE LOVE YOU” “
“Mrs. Bowles was a wonderful, loving person at the Nursing home and will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful Lady!”
“We are truely sorry for your loss and will miss seeing her at 11:30 Mass. We know she is with our Lord and pray you find comfort in the good memories.”
“I knew who Mrs. Bowles was-who her family was, yet never really knew her personally. But I can tell you this. I knew she was a woman with a HUGE heart for others and was a giving person. So often I’d see her going or coming to the Nursing Center–one of her missions in life. How many people have done that-especially at her age? We could all benefit from her example. She did exactly what God wants us to do-love others first. We can feel confident she is in heaven. “
“Anna, Stacey and family- I am truly sorry for your loss. Your grandmother was a wonderful woman who I am thankful I had an oppurtunity to meet! Take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven, where it is a little bit easier to watch over her entire family, all at once. xoxo”
“Phyllis and family. Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. “
“I knew you Grammom for 30 plus years, thanks for staying in touch with me and remembering the holiday’s and birthday’s we still shared together..Even up to this year. It was nice just to know you, Sit and chat for a while and have our decaffe coffee together..I hope the best for the Bowles family during this hard time .Take time to spend with each other , My prayers are with you all and especially her children. May you find comfort in each other and you have my warmest regards and prayers.”
“SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MRS. BOWLES ALWAYS LOVED TO SEE PEOPLE, GREETING THEM WITH A HUG AND A KISS ON THE CHEEK. SHE LOVED WALKING THE FARM. REMEMBER MRS. BOWLES AS ALWAYS BEING FRIENDLY AND GIVING. WHEN LIVING BESIDE US ON THE FARM, SHE WOULD ALWAYS STOP TO SAY HELLO, WHEN SEEING US OUTSIDE, ON HER DAILY WALKS AROUND THE FARM OR WALKING TO GET HER MAIL. EVERY SO OFTEN SHE WOULD STOP BY TO BRING A DELICIOUS LEMON MERINGUE PIE SHE HAD MADE. OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE BOWLES FAMILY.”
“Doris Lawrence and family, I’m so sorry for your loss,Your mother and grandmother was a very special lady always happy and pleasant to every one around her. She will be greatly missed. Love and in my prayers…Joan & Jerry & all my family.”
“To the Bowles family, I met Moma Bowles at the Nursing Center. She was an angel there helping all the residents. I know she will continue watching over all of her many friends and family from Heaven. “
“Karen, So sorry to hear of the loss of your grandmother. “
“I love you Grandma. Although I have always lived so far away, you have always managed to remember every birthday, holiday, and special occasion in my life. I will always cherish the times I was able to spend with you and our wonderful conversations over the phone. You were one amazing lady and I will miss you so much! I know you have touched so many lives and will continue to watch over everyone in the family. Love you, XOXOX”
“To my precious Cattie, you were my friend and my cousin, I how I loved you, so special, we both liked to play jokes on each other and laugh and when you had that little grin on your face, I knew you were up to something. Take your wings, be proud, you EARNED them. Love ya”
“Momma. continue looking over your loving daughter and my best friend, Donna. We will miss you and always love you. You set a high standard for all to follow. May all find comfort knowing you are in God’s loving care. Hugs and kisses forever.”
“To all of Catie’s family – I just returned from the beautiful service for Catie at St Johns. There are no words to describe her. She was awesome. The poem “HUGS” is perfect for her. It is wondrous what hugs can do(first line of the poem) and she did wondrous things for everyone she hugged. May she rest in peace but she probably has already found a job in heaven. “
“Dear Aunt Cattie. She was such a special person. She was so loving and generous with her time and affection. I would often run into her at the nursing home or shopping, and she was always so happy to have a chance to visit for a little while. She knew how to make everyone feel special. I’ll miss her sweet smile.”
“Wow have you ever seen a more loving giving inspiring woman as this? I haven’t ever. I had the honor of knowing Momma while working at St. Mary’s Nursing center in activities. I was one of her “girls” as she used to call us. She was the most amazing selfless person I have ever met. I strive to follow her example always, as well as never forget to pray for others. One very fond memory I have would have to be her coming to my son’s first birthday at my home and sitting next to my grandmother who is also now in heaven and thinking to myself this moment is priceless. My children loved her and she loved them as her own grandchildren. My heart goes out to the Bowles family along with many prayers for peace in their lives. Also to thank the Bowles family for sharing a very special part of their family with us everyday. Please continue her work, her legacy lives on in you all. I smile to think I now have yet another angel watching over me. Love you and Miss you Momma! “