Born June 14, 1933 in Toronto and died June 13, 2023 in Guelph. Daughter of the late John (Chips) and Laura (Peg) Woodbridge, formerly of Kleinburg. Wife of Christopher John Bowden, d. 2000. Mother of Ian (Jean), James (Shamy), Martha Taylor (David), and Jeffrey (Trish). Grandmother to Jessica, Wendy, Christopher, Scott, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Julia. Great-grandmother to Gigi, Atticus, Penelope, and Felix. Godmother to Victoria and Susan.
Ellen spent her young years on Astley Avenue, Toronto and at a rural home and property named Wix Hill, north of Kleinburg. She attended boarding school at Havergal College before training and becoming a Registered Nurse at Sick Children's Hospital. In 1956, she married Chris and began a family, settling on Castlefield Avenue in Toronto. In 1970, the family moved to Cork Street in Guelph, joining The Church of St. James the Apostle. Ellen resumed her nursing duties in the early 70s, working weekends treating students at the U. of Guelph. She volunteered at many organizations in Guelph in her 53 years of residing there.
Ellen had many close, life-long friendships from her days at school, Camp Gay Venture and nursing, including attending Havergal Old Girls and Sick Kids reunions into her 70s. She struggled with bipolar disorder for most of her adult life and dementia later on, but never let it dim her devotion and care for those close to her.
Ellen was known for her wit and unconditional love of all generations of her family. Her repetitive apologies to caregivers at Stone Lodge and Arbour Trails acknowledged a vocational connection she had with those who serve the vulnerable, just like she had throughout her life.
There will be no funeral or memorial service. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to SickKids Hospital Foundation or Alzheimer Society of Canada.
A tree will be planted in memory of Ellen C. Bowden in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.