Barbara Eleanor May Bowser

BOWSER, Barbara Eleanor May passed away on April 14th, 2025 at the Digby General Hospital. She was the daughter of George and Barbara (nee Browne) she was born in Halifax, N.S. on January 24, 1949. Upon graduating from the Halifax Vocational School was employed with the Federal Department of Public Works until she entered the Anglican Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine in Toronto to test her vocation in the Noviate in 1979. After two years of discernment, she returned to Nova Scotia and took up residence at the Society of Our Lady Saint Mary (Bethany Place) in 1982 and began a ministry of prayer and hospitality as requested by the then Anglican Diocesan bishop. Over the 40 years of ministry Sister Barbara along with another religious Sister, Sister Bonnie, S.L.S.M. founded both the Seniors Shuttle Service which operated for 5 years and the Bethany Bargain Bin, which served the people of Digby and surrounding area for 25 years. Sister Barbara found her niche as chief toy tester, which she did with great gusto making sure all remote-controlled toys worked and that the stuffed toy shelf was fully stocked.

Over the years Sister Barbara, on behalf of the Anglican Church of Canada, attended several General and Diocesan Synods, was a lay minister for the Digby Weymouth Parish and co-hosted at Bethany Place Quiet Days, Retreatants, Christian events and travelled to several parishes in the diocese to promote the Society of Our Lady Saint Mary and the Anglican Religious Life in particular communities she spent time in namely The Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine, Toronto and the Community of the Sisters of the Church, Oakville, Ontario.

Over the years Sister Barbara was a devoted dog lover, in particular the Pekingese breed; many stray cats also found their way to Bethany Place, and she looks forward to meeting them in Heaven at the "Rainbow Bridge."

Sister Barbara is survived by her sister Heather (Gary) Hector, as well as her uncle Peter Browne, Halifax, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also included in the list of survivors is her Sister in The Faith: Sister Bonnie, S.L.S.M. who accompanied Sister Barbara in her religious vocation and was her fellow Companion on the Journey. Sister Barbara was predeceased by sister, Susan Bowser.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jayne's Funeral Home. A celebration of life will take place at St. Edwards Church (under the care of Rev. Ken Vaughan),1650 Hwy 1, Clementsport, NS, B0S 1E0 on May 30th, 2025, at 2pm, officiated by Rev. Mel Malton followed by interment at the Old St. Edwards Cemetery, Clementsport. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine, Toronto, Ontario or to a charity of choice.