Teresa Bowen

On behalf of the Bowen and Taylor families i would like to thank you all for your attendance here today at Teresa's funeral Mass. the large numbers here today and at the funeral parlour yesterday bear testament to the high esteem in which Teresa was held.

Teresa was born 8th October 1951, the younger twin and fourth daughter in a family of 8 girls. She was a very happy contented child and when a toddler went through surgery to correct a shortened muscle in the neck, this resulted in her being in plaster paris for 6 months. She bore her pain then with the same fortitude as she was to bear all the other illness that befell her in her life.

At the age of 17 she left school and went to work for Burkes Shipping Company, and three years later was offered a position in the Citi Bank, where she continued to work until she left Ireland.

Teresa met Danny in 1973, six weeks before he was due to emigrate to Canada, and after 5 years courtship across the ocean, she knew her heart lay with Danny and they were married in August 1978. Teresa was always a home bird, She had a very special relationship with our mother and was the one closest to her. Of all the sisters she was the last one we would have expected to leave home and start her new life in another country. even though she was broken hearted to leave her family behind, and step into the unknown, she was prepared to take the risk. Here in Canada she found happiness, with Danny who has always been her rock, and always there to support love and encourage her. She was welcomed into the heart of the Bowen family by Danny's parents and siblings who all loved her.

In 1983 she joined the Canadian Blood Services until she retired in 2015. As well as loving her work, she thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the donors and colleagues, and listening to their personal stories,. In all her work placements she was very highly thought of by her working colleagues and supervisors.

Teresa was a beautiful person inside and out. In times of trouble she was always there with wise words of wisdom, understanding and love. She had so much love in her heart for everyone she knew and trusted. Even though she lived 000s of miles away she was with us every day in every aspect of our lives. If we needed to know what was happening in the family all we had to do was ask Teresa and she knew everything that was going on with the other 7 sisters. She never forgot any ones birthday or special milestones and in recent years loved to regularly Facetime us all.

Teresa and Danny both worked so hard to provide for their boys and to ensure they had the best chances in life.They were blessed with four marvelous sons, Kevin, Neal Sean and Colin, her two daughter n laws Gabriele and Veronica, and especially her 4 grandchildren Aidan, Sophia, Aria and Ethan, who gave her so much joy and she loved looking after them every Wednesday.

Teresa and Danny celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on 4th August and at a celebratory dinner she paid a special tribute to Danny, who over the last forty years has brought her so much love and happiness and especially in the last 3 years was her rock, ensuring all her needs were met, and that she would continue to remain at home until the end, which was her last wish. Kevin on behalf of his brothers thanked his parents for the wonderful upbringing, parenting and the love and values that they instilled in them and for setting standards which the boys will carry forward into their own relationships.

In November 2015 Teresa was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and as much as it was a terrible shock to her, Danny and the family, she accepted it with great dignity and courage, was an inspiration to others never allowing anyone to see the real pain she endured.

After 16 sessions of chemo she underwent a mastectomy in May 2016 and that summer was delighted to get the all clear and had great pleasure in :ringing the Chemo bell: indicating that was the end of the chemo treatment. In her excitement the force of the pull actually took the bell of the wall. First time ever to happen. That summer Teresa was able to travel to Ireland allowing her to attend her nieces wedding

Unfortunately her joy was short lived, when in December 2017, she was hit with pneumonia, and this caused great concern. In January a CT Scan revealed that the cancer had returned. This was a terrible blow to Teresa but once again she accepted it and had great faith that she would be cured. Her determination to fight it, was unbelievable and. right up to the end of September she continued to lead as normal a life as possible, including her daily visits to Tim Horton, for a coffee and catch up with friends.

Teresa took great pride in her appearance. Her jewelery and her clothes were picked with great care, making sure that everything matched. Her vivacity and joie de vivre the twinkle of those beautiful blue eyes and cheery smile warmed the hearts of those who knew her. we know from the comments so many people have made that she touched many of your lives.

We thank Teresa for all the love and joy she has given to all of us here in Canada and back home in Ireland. I would like to finish with a quote from an Old Irish Blessing And until we meet again Teresa May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

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Teresa Bowen

Graced the world on:

Oct 8, 1951

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Joined God’s Angels on:

Oct 20th, 2018

Hamilton, Canada

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Teresa Bowen. Teresa passed away peacefully, at home with her best friend and loving husband, Daniel, by her side following a courageous battle with cancer. Much loved and loving mum to Kevin (Gabriela), Neal, Sean (Veronica), and Colin. Beloved nana of Aidan, Sofia, Aria, and Ethan. Teresa will be sadly missed by her seven sisters and brother-in-laws also her sister in laws and families and brother in law, as well as her many nieces and nephews . Teresa touched many lives through her rich and wonderful 32-year career at Canadian Blood Services. She received much joy and happiness from the many wonderful people she met. Teresa enjoyed many things in life including dancing, reading, baking, knitting, shopping, traveling the world, and doting on her grandchildren. Teresa will always be remembered for her kind heart and beautiful smile that always lit up a room.

A visitation for Teresa will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel, 322 Fennell Ave East, Hamilton.

A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 416 Mohawk Rd. E., Hamilton. With interment at a later date.