Victoria "Frances" Bowers

Frances Bowers (née O'Connell), daughter of the late Helston and Dorothy O'Connell (née Penney), born in Newellton, Cape Sable Island, passed away peacefully at South Shore Regional Hospital at the age of 92 with her granddaughter Jayleen at her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.

 Frances was the epitome of a strong matriarch. She was fiercely independent, and her determination shaped not only her own life but also the lives of her family. Leaving home at just 17 years old, Frances found her way to Port Mouton, where she met her future husband, Gilbert Bowers. The couple eventually settled in Eagle Head, where they built a life filled with family, hard work, and long lasting friendships. In an era when it was rare for a mother to work outside the home, Frances broke the mold with long and successful careers as both a teacher and a nurse, earning the admiration of everyone who knew her.

 Frances was also known for her delicious recipes, from pies and jams to pickles and preserves. She never arrived at a gathering without her famous freshly baked biscuits. Her dry, sarcastic sense of humour and quick wit kept those around her on their toes, and she delighted in catching people off guard with a clever joke or anecdote.

 Frances lived a full life, centered around her family and her community. With help from her dedicated son Stephen, other family members and of course, her amazing care workers at Queens Home Support, she was proudly able to live at home independently until her final days. She will be remembered for her strength, humour, generosity and the laughter she brought to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of her loved ones. Special thank you to the nurses of the medical unit at South Shore Regional Hospital. 

 Frances is survived by her son Stephen Bowers (Lisa), sister Hilda Adams, brothers Rahn O'Connell (Blanche), Robie O'Connell (Catherine), and Arthur O'Connell (Heather) and many nieces and nephews. She was a proud grandmother to Chad Bowers (Amy), Jayleen Corkum, Jessie Bowers (Dennis), Jill Bowers (Steve), Leah Corkum (Jess), Sarah Corkum (Amanda), and Shaninne Corkum (Shaun), and cherished her great-grandchildren Talla, Emma, Wesley, Gage, Carson, Tessa, Sophia, Grayson, and Basil.

 Besides her parents, Frances was predeceased by her husband Gilbert, her only daughter Verna Corkum, sisters Dottie O'Connell and Virginia Messenger, sister-in-law Joan O'Connell, brothers-in-law Gerald Messenger and Lorraine Adams, and infant nephew Jason O'Connell.

 Cremation to take place under the direction of Chandlers Funeral Home in Liverpool. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday September 7th at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Eagle Head. Celebration of life to follow at the Seaside Centre in Beach Meadows. Donations in memory of Frances may be made to the Queens General Hospital. Online condolences may be made below.