Bowes, Helen (nee Dodds) July 4, 1931 ~ March 24, 2018 Our family gatherings have lost their "spark”. On Saturday, March 24, 2018 Mom passed away peacefully at the Perth Hospital, where she enjoyed a joyful celebration with her family just hours before her passing. Beloved wife and best friend of Arthur Bowes for more than 64 years. Devoted mother of Janet (David Pentney), Alfred (Joan Stephenson), Douglas (Anne Howes), Tom (Valerie St. Onge) and Wilson (Jane Buxcey). She will be fondly remembered by her 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Helen is survived by her many nieces, nephews, extended family and will always be in their hearts. She is predeceased by her parents Jean Dodds (nee Moodie) and Cecil Dodds, her sisters Doris Phillips, Edna Van Meer, Mildred Healey, her only brother Jim Dodds, and daughter-in-law Debbie Johnson. Helen will also be missed by her family at St. Paul’s United Church, where she was a faithful member of the church choir, the UCW and the Couples Club. She was a proud and dedicated volunteer at Lanark Lodge. She also enjoyed participating in many performances with the Perth Community Choir. Mom loved the piano and was quite proud to be a part of the musical group "The Altonatives.” Friends may pay their respects at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth on Thursday, March 29, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A service to celebrate her zest for life will take place at St. Paul’s United Church on Good Friday at 2 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the service and you can then join with the family for the interment at Upper Scotch Line Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Great War Memorial Hospital Foundation or St. Paul’s United Church.