Was devoted to her family; enjoyed traveling, sewing, swimming and NR Militia
WEST FALMOUTH — Justine (Moreau) Bowen, 92, of West Falmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025.
Born on September 25, 1932, in Malden, Massachusetts, Justine was the daughter of Louis and Mildred Moreau. She was raised in Malden alongside her three siblings and graduated from Malden High School in 1950. Following graduation, she worked in Boston as a legal secretary. In 1954 she married the love of her life, Richard Bowen, who would become her husband for 68 years. The couple raised four children together living in California, Oklahoma and North Reading, before settling in West Falmouth, where they resided for the past 44 years.
Justine was a devoted mother, including one child with special needs, for whom she fiercely advocated throughout her life. After raising her children in North Reading, she earned her LPN certification at the age of 62 and worked in the nursing field for several years, until both she and Richard retired. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their children. Justine and Richard celebrated a memorable 50th anniversary in County Cork, Ireland, surrounded by friends and family.
In addition to spending time with her family, Justine enjoyed sewing, swimming, exercising, playing cribbage, and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s events. She was a member of The Capers, the Irish American Club, and the St. Elizabeth Seton Church Guild. Justine loved living in North Reading, where she and Richard were active members of the North Reading Militia. They later enjoyed living in West Falmouth and spending time at Chapoquoit Beach.
She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Donovan of Stoneham; her children, Denise Lumb and her husband Tom of North Reading, Marilyn Bowen-O’Boyle of Eaton, N.H., and Michael Bowen and his wife Deneen of Seattle, Washington; and her niece, Annmarie Needham and her husband Paul of Bourne. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her daughter, Kathleen Bowen; her son-in-law, Thomas O’Boyle; and her brothers, Richard and Paul Moreau.
Visiting hours were held at Chapman Funeral & Cremations, 584 West Falmouth Highway (Route 28-A), West Falmouth, on Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral Mass was held at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, 481 Quaker Road, North Falmouth, on Monday, April 28, at 11 a.m. Burial followed at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Connections Inc. at: https://communityconnectionsinc.org/Donate