November 2, 2008: Following a long illness, Marilyn H. Bowen, age 82, passed on surrounded by her loving family at the Elliott Hospital.
Marilyn was born November 11, 1925 to Matthew D. & Maude R. Hemphill in Concord, NH. Before graduating with Concord High’s class of ‘43, Marilyn’s typing and stenography skills were so appreciated by the local Sears Roebuck store they promoted her to manage their business office. She became secretary to both a president at the Academy of Aeronautics in New York and an adjutant general and director of the selective service department in New Hampshire.
July 4, 1944, Marilyn became a war bride when she married Robert F. Bowen, (the son of Arthur & Marion Bowen, Bow, NH). Together Marilyn and Bob raised three children and the couple remained sweethearts for 64 years.
In the 1950’s Marilyn chaired the Londonderry volunteer fire department’s women’s auxiliary; a group who raised money by staging the “Cabaret.” Marilyn was not only the high soprano soloist in the show, she also danced in the chorus line as one of the “Suzettes!”
She resumed her career in the 1960’s as Londonderry’s deputy town clerk, became a licensed realtor, was secretary to the selectmen and police department, as well as chairman of the Leach library’s trustees and was the first woman to serve on the planning board. Marilyn was a past Worthy Matron of the Ransford-Adah Chapter #3 of the Eastern Star; a member for 63 years. She was very active in the Rainbow organi-zation and was also a Brownie troop leader. For many years at the Londonderry Methodist church Marilyn was choir director and Sunday school superintendent.
She is survived by her husband Bob, three children, Gayle, Gary, and Greg, Greg’s wife Tina, Gayle’s husband Samuel, grand-children, great grandchildren and her brother H.M. Hemphill.
There are no calling hours. A private memorial service is planned for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers they would appreciate any donation to the: Alzheimer’s Association, One Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 105, Bedford, NH 03110, or by phone: 1.800.272.3900.