GILMANTON IRON WORKS ---- Susan Ellen Bowne, 77, a resident of Gilmanton, NH for the last twenty-four years, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Sue was born August 17, 1947, in Needham, MA, the daughter of the late George and Phyllis (Hackett) Wiggin.
Sue graduated from Newton High School in 1965 and promptly began her working years at New England Telephone. During her twenty-five years at the phone company, she became lifelong friends with five other women employees.
After the phone company, Sue accepted a job as bookkeeper for the Grist Mill and the Old Mill restaurants. Then she was hired by the law firm of Tarbell and Brodich as their receptionist. Sue did her job with efficiency and grace until her retirement.
Sue leaves behind the precious loves in her life: Morton ‘Bud’ Young, her loving and devoted partner of twenty-seven years, the light of her life; her son, Donald Lewis Bowne, Jr.; her beloved daughter-in-law, Andrea; and her precious, much-loved grandsons, Alexander, Jackson, and Ethan; her brother, James, and nephew James; her cousins, Patty Chagnon and Phyllis Riel; Bud’s brother, Don, and his wife, Rachel, and their children and spouses: Christie and Dave Bluhm, Brett and Kate Young, and Chelsea and Brian Roberge, as well as their extended families.
Sue was a beautiful lady, inside and out, who lived her life with grace, love, and faith. She was a lifelong member of First Congregational Church in Newton, MA. She was an active member of the Purple Finches and the Women’s Club of Wilmington. During this time, she learned to knit and crochet and participated in their fundraisers for single moms.
Sue and Bud enjoyed many vacations, traveling on bus tours throughout the U.S. and taking island trips through Bud’s company.
They both cherished all their loving memories shared together, their fun times with friends, and especially their family times with DJ, Andrea, Alex, Jackson, and Ethan.
Friendship and loyalty were paramount to Sue. Lifelong friends and relatives remained involved and caring throughout Sue’s life. She was comforted with memories of happier, livelier, and more vibrant times.
Her spirit will live on in her loving partner, Bud, her family, friends, and dedicated caretakers who saw Sue through her final journey. Sue left people feeling happier than she found them and more appreciative of the blessings in their lives.
Sue passed away peacefully at home, with Bud by her side. Her last breath on Earth was followed by her first breath in Heaven, with our Lord and Savior. Sue will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are invited to join us at Dell-Lea Wedding & Events, located at 81 Pleasant Street, Chichester, NH 03258, to celebrate Sue's blessed life. Details on the date and time will be shared once determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s honor to any SPCA of your choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.