Obituaries

It is with great sadness the family of Noreen Veronica Bowser, age 87, of Lower Sackville; announce her unexpected passing on October 22,2023 surrounded by family. Noreen (“Reenie”) was everything; wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

She was predeceased by her husband Donald N. Bowser; her grandson Riley John Bowser (in infancy); her parents Joseph P. and Catherine Hillison (nee Shippien), her sisters Margarite, Eileen, Trixie, Dolores, and Patricia; brothers Joseph Jr. (Sonny) and Edward. Noreen was the last remaining member of her immediate Hillison family.

She is survived by sons Glenn (Heather) Bowser, Lower Sackville, and John (Tara) Bowser, Middle Sackville as well as granddaughters Shelby Bowser, Peyton Bowser, and Kim Slaunwhite; great granddaughter Makayla Slaunwhite, great grandson Kyler Johnson and great-great grandson Adrian Slaunwhite.

Also surviving are brother and sisters in law; Kenneth Bowser (Bernadette) Saint John N.B., Helen Bowser, Halifax; Margaret Bowser, Lower Sackville, Audrey Demone, Fall River. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Noreen was born and raised in Halifax. Her mother passed away when she was 8 and her father was not able to properly care for her due to his advanced age. She attended St. Mary’s School for Girls and lived with some married siblings from time to time, mostly her brother Sonny and wife Margie.

She met her future husband, the love of her life, Donnie at a dance when she was 16 and shortly after moved in with “Mom” Bowser and her family. Two years later she married Donnie and they remained together until his passing in 2011, having been married for 60 years. She worked at many places, Farmers, Regal Stationary, Moir’s Chocolates, Towers Department Store, and the Hudson Bay Company but her main occupation was homemaker for her family.

Reenie suffered a stroke in 2009 which left her left side paralyzed. While she did recover somewhat, the effects of the stroke took a toll physically, however her mind remained very sharp. A devout Catholic, her faith strengthened after the stroke and remained unshakable until her passing.

Cremation has taken place. At her request there will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 9 Jamieson Drive, Fall River N.S. November 10,2023 at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will follow immediately after the mass, with interment at Oakridge Memorial Gardens, 1078 Old Sackville Road, Middle Sackville, after reception.

In Noreen’s memory, donations can be made to the IWK Childrens Hospital.

“Your soul lives on in the people you’ve touched”