Shirley Bowen Obituary

It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Shirley Cole Bowen. Shirley was granted her angel wings on December 8, 2023, in Newport, VT, at the age of 82.
Shirley's life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint that she left on our hearts exceeds the quantity of time that she was here.
Shirley was born on May 8, 1941 in Westmore, VT, to the late George and Thelma (Perkins) Cole. She attended Westmore Graded School and Orleans High School. She lived in Derby, VT, for many years.
Shirley and her late husband Carlton (Peanut) Bowen owned and operated the LB Snackbar for many years, which is where she could be found every day during the summer months.
Shirley was an extremely hard worker and very talented in many things. She was a master of sewing, quilting, and needlepoint among many other things, but most of all was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She gifted many of her quilts and other pieces to friends and family which will forever be cherished. She was a great friend to many and was always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone that she could. She loved her friends and family dearly.
She is survived by her daughter Bonita Marrotte (Larry), her son Grant Vance (Sherri Norman), her eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters Charlotte Dane (Clair) and Elaine Cole-Kerr (Rod), brother Alan Cole (Patricia), sister-in-law Lynda Cole, and stepchildren Carlton Jr. (Carol), Beverly (Jim), and Gary (Marion), as well as two step-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her loving parents George and Thelma (Perkins) Cole, her husband Carlton Bowen, and her brothers Robert and Everett (Mike) Cole, as well as her sister Eva Hosford.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Shirley's dear friends Ellie, Joe, and Honya who became such an important part of her life over the years.
A private graveside ceremony will be held in the spring