Gertrude F. Bowden

Lifelong New Suffolk resident, loving mother and “the best friend that any son or daughter could ever haven been raised by,” Gertrude F. Bowden, predeceased by brothers Frank and Stephen Majeski, died Feb. 22, 2016. Mrs. Bowden was 84 years old. 

The daughter of Steven and Frances Majeski, Gertrude was born Oct. 20, 1931, in New Suffolk, N.Y. where Gertie, which all of her many friends called her, worked for the U.S. Postal Service. Mrs. Bowden served as postmaster at the New Suffolk Post Office for 33 years until her retirement.

The many friends she met among the years, would describe Mom, as the kindest and most caring and generous person that they ever knew. She never complained about a thing, nor did she ever have a bad word to say about anyone. Gert always appeared to be more concerned about others and made everyone whom she befriended feel so comfortable, as if they were part of the family. Many who also met Gertrude said this was mainly because of her unforgettable warm, gentle smile and bright, crystal blue eyes.

Mrs. Bowden very much enjoyed the outdoors and was also an avid gardener. She was fond of planting a variety of flowers from seeds and always looked forward to the timely arrival of the hummingbirds that frequented those flowers during the latter part of spring. Mrs. Bowden also loved her many game shows, including Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune, which she watched religiously. Frequenting the casinos with family, whenever she had the opportunity, was also a favorite past time of hers.

Besides her only surviving son, James Bowden, Jr., Mrs. Bowden is survived by two grandchildren, Angela Rakowski of Florida and Sean Bowden of Colorado, as well as two great grandchildren, Axel and River-June Bowden. In addition to the aforementioned family members, Gertrude is also survived by a niece, Nancy Sweeney of Laurel, and two cousins, whom were not only very close to her but also grew up with Gertie as a teen, Mrs. Janet Houle of Connecticut and Mrs. Marion Gordon of Riverhead.

A private ceremony will be held for Gertrude at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue, N.Y. sometime in mid-May. Immediate family members and all of Mrs. Bowden’s longtime friends are welcome at that service in memory of her, which will be announced in late April or early May of this year.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes.

This is a paid notice.