Obituary for Katherine Reynolds (Bowie)
Katherine Bowie Reynolds, 91, died February 21 after a prolonged illness.
Her deep love for her beloved husband Tom, and generous devotion to her children, grandchildren, family and friends, distinguished a life well lived. Katherine’s love of laughter and joy made her kitchen table the place all wanted to gather, be they her children’s friends, grandkids, siblings, nieces and nephews, long-time pals and lady friends, neighbors, in-laws and cousins. Making any occasion special be it grand or ordinary was her magic, and connecting with dear ones in meaningful and thoughtful ways was her hallmark. Quiet acts of generosity and kindness were commonplace for Katherine.
Katherine was born in 1926 in Hartford to Irish newcomers to America, Thomas and Mary Anne Bowie. Raised in Parkville she attended Our Lady of Sorrows School where she experienced the lean challenges of the Depression era and the sacrifices thrust upon her graduating Class of 1944 at Hartford Public High School. She was patriotic and enthusiastic for all things American. After World War II, she worked at Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company before she and Tom started a family. She flourished as a mother and raised three children, one of whom with special needs, with grace, devotion, patience and enthusiasm. Katherine was a superb homemaker and created a home full of love, laughter and a fine tuna casserole most Fridays.
Together, she and her husband Tom gave a lifetime of support to their daughter Anne and were local pioneers in the “Hartford Association for Retarded Children”(now called HARC, Inc.) in the early 1960’s. She was active at St. Brigid Church and worked for years at James B. O’Toole Plumbing. Mom’s primary focus was always on her home life, family and many friends. Characterized by her creativity and seasonal decorations, love of reading, watching a great movie, following the British royals, the Red Sox, and UConn basketball, Kay was well read, witty, and smart. Her sense of style was legendary. Those in her blessed circle were better for having known her. She will be deeply missed by all.
Katherine was predeceased by her husband Thomas Reynolds and her daughter Anne Reynolds. She is survived by her son, Peter Reynolds and his wife Nancy Reynolds of West Hartford and her daughter, Jane Reynolds Weigel and husband Russ Weigel of South Dartmouth, MA., grandchildren, Brie Reynolds, Luke Reynolds and Jake Reynolds of West Hartford and beloved
nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the Elizabeth Park Conservancy 1561 Asylum Ave. West Hartford, CT 06117 or CW Resources 200 Myrtle Street New Britain, CT 06053
Funeral procession will be Monday, (February 26), 10:00 am from the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 am at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours are prior to the funeral procession from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
Her deep love for her beloved husband Tom, and generous devotion to her children, grandchildren, family and friends, distinguished a life well lived. Katherine’s love of laughter and joy made her kitchen table the place all wanted to gather, be they her children’s friends, grandkids, siblings, nieces and nephews, long-time pals and lady friends, neighbors, in-laws and cousins. Making any occasion special be it grand or ordinary was her magic, and connecting with dear ones in meaningful and thoughtful ways was her hallmark. Quiet acts of generosity and kindness were commonplace for Katherine.
Katherine was born in 1926 in Hartford to Irish newcomers to America, Thomas and Mary Anne Bowie. Raised in Parkville she attended Our Lady of Sorrows School where she experienced the lean challenges of the Depression era and the sacrifices thrust upon her graduating Class of 1944 at Hartford Public High School. She was patriotic and enthusiastic for all things American. After World War II, she worked at Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company before she and Tom started a family. She flourished as a mother and raised three children, one of whom with special needs, with grace, devotion, patience and enthusiasm. Katherine was a superb homemaker and created a home full of love, laughter and a fine tuna casserole most Fridays.
Together, she and her husband Tom gave a lifetime of support to their daughter Anne and were local pioneers in the “Hartford Association for Retarded Children”(now called HARC, Inc.) in the early 1960’s. She was active at St. Brigid Church and worked for years at James B. O’Toole Plumbing. Mom’s primary focus was always on her home life, family and many friends. Characterized by her creativity and seasonal decorations, love of reading, watching a great movie, following the British royals, the Red Sox, and UConn basketball, Kay was well read, witty, and smart. Her sense of style was legendary. Those in her blessed circle were better for having known her. She will be deeply missed by all.
Katherine was predeceased by her husband Thomas Reynolds and her daughter Anne Reynolds. She is survived by her son, Peter Reynolds and his wife Nancy Reynolds of West Hartford and her daughter, Jane Reynolds Weigel and husband Russ Weigel of South Dartmouth, MA., grandchildren, Brie Reynolds, Luke Reynolds and Jake Reynolds of West Hartford and beloved
nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the Elizabeth Park Conservancy 1561 Asylum Ave. West Hartford, CT 06117 or CW Resources 200 Myrtle Street New Britain, CT 06053
Funeral procession will be Monday, (February 26), 10:00 am from the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 am at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours are prior to the funeral procession from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com