Obituary of Helen Bowie

Bowie, Helen (nee Guild)Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at the age of 84. Born in Clydebank, Scotland. Much loved wife of the late Gillies “Jim” for 61 years. Predeceased by their wonderful sons Gordon and David who both had Cystic Fibrosis. The boys lived their lives to the fullest supported by their loving parents. Gordon and David were confident, positive and an inspiration to all who met them. Helen is survived by her cousins, Margaret and Alastair in Scotland and Helen in Tasmania. Helen will be deeply missed by Ottawa friends Christine(Rob) and their sons Liam and Thomas, Christine’s mother Sandra and their extended family. Helen and Jim were like members of their family for almost 30 years. Helen will also be truly missed by longtime family friend Lesley who had known Helen and Gillies since their arrival, in 1961 from Scotland, with their 1 year old son, Gordon. Helen was a very sociable person. She enjoyed playing weekly cards and walking around the block with “the girls” in her neighbourhood. She appreciated the help given by her neighbours Diane and Ed - especially after losing her beloved husband Gillies last year. She was always happy to hear from friends including those from her old neighbourhood of years gone by. Chats on the phone meant a great deal to her as well as lunches with Wendy, a good friend and the organizer of the theatre group that Helen and Jim enjoyed together in years gone by. Thank you to all of you for that. Whenever Helen set her mind to a hobby, she became an expert on it. Over the years her orchids won ribbons, her beloved poodles were champions and her charming handmade bears were displayed proudly by many. She enjoyed the company of the friends that she met in the various clubs that she belonged to over the years. As well as being a strong and dedicated mother, Helen was a longtime volunteer at CHEO, The Ottawa Hospital (General Campus) and the Canadian Kennel Club.A private burial has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated. Condolences and sharing memories at www.capitalmemorial.ca