Ellsworth -- Harriet A. Bowden, 91, died after a brief illness April 25, 2017 in Ellsworth. She was born August 8, 1925 to Charles A. and Alice M. (Shaw) Simpson in Bangor, where she was raised, attended school and met Kenneth W. Bowden Sr. who she married in 1944 before moving to Ellsworth in 1953. Together they built a home on the Surry Road, where she raised one son, Kenneth W. Bowden, Jr. and lived the rest of her life amongst wonderful neighbors.

A high energy, hardworking women, Harriet managed a schedule that would put most to shame. Employed full time for 25 years as a bookkeeper for Morrison Chevrolet and as a sales associate at Sherwin Williams for ten, she took pride in preparing a home-cooked meal each night no matter the hour. Every week for countless years, she devoted one of two days off traveling to Bangor to care for her parents and, then, her husband's mother and aunts.

Harriet was tireless in her commitment to community. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, attaining the office of Worthy Matron; Rotary Wives; First Congregational Church; and served as a past board member of the YMCA. Into her 90's, she volunteered in the office and for events at Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County. She faithfully attended her son's sporting events and local charity events, especially when there was dancing. She made countless casseroles and baked goods for fundraisers and those in need.

Friends and family were her greatest treasures, especially time spent at many bridge tables, breakfast at Martha's, evening dinners and cribbage with Eleanor Wiggin and the camp she and her husband built in 1955 on Beech Hill Pond in Otis. Harriet was a gracious host, supportive companion and true friend. She adored her grandchildren, Tom and Melanie, loved to listen to the call of "her" loons, and rarely missed watching a Red Sox game. She also maintained a more than respectable American Contract Bridge League ranking.

Harriet is survived by her son, Kenneth W. Bowden, Jr. and his wife Catherine B. of Falmouth; grandson, Thomas M. Bowden and his wife Charlotte C. Coulter of Roslindale, MA; granddaughter, Melanie Bowden of Portland, OR; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Simpson of Bangor and Venessa Simpson of Bradenton, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Harriet was predeceased in 1976 by her husband Kenneth W. Bowden Sr.; six brothers and sisters, Lewis Simpson, Ellen Gilbert, Robert Simpson, John F. Simpson, Jean Brown and Richard Simpson.

Special appreciation is extended to the staff of Seaport Village for their attention and compassion provided to our mother.

Friends are invited to call 4-6 pm,Tues., May 2, 2017, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin Street, Ellsworth where funeral services will be held 11 am, Wed. May 3, 2017 with a reception to follow. Private interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth.

Those who desire may make contributions in Harriet’s memory to Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, 04605.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com