Bernadette Marie (Darling) Bowlby

Bernadette Marie Bowlby (Darling) of Martinez, Georgia, passed away on May 19, 2022. "Bernie," as she was known by friends and family, was born in Catskill, New York. Her parents, Carl Caniano and Dorothy Warner, welcomed her into the world on September 13, 1951. She joined her siblings, Theresa, Donald, and Margaret. Younger brother Johnny came along a few years later. She loved all of her siblings very much, and they all remained close through their entire lives. Bernie was a devout Catholic, and attended St. Patrick's Catholic School where she was known to sneak into the church and play the organ while singing at the top of her lungs.

Although Bernie was a rebellious teen, she was always a kind, sweet person, who cared more about others than she did herself. One of her favorite jobs ("of all time" - one of her favorite sayings) was working at the Home for Handicapped Children in Catskill. She always said that the job at the Children's Home was the most rewarding she had ever had, or would ever have. Unfortunately, life took its turns, and she followed a different path.

Fast forward to 1975...after a failed relationship, and two young children in tow, Bernadette met Robert Mitchell Bowlby, her knight in shining armor, and the love of her life. The couple married, Robert joined the military, and shortly thereafter (1978), all four of them went off to Germany. While stationed in Augsburg, Germany, the family unit of Robert, Bernadette, Joseph, and Timothy would shape the foundation of their familial circle, and shared in the friends and customs that would enrich their lives for many years to come. Fondly thought of as one of the best experiences of their lives, Bernadette would go on to meet her life-long friend, Anita Taylor.

Back in the States, circa 1984, Robert transitoned out of the military, and into the Civilian sector. The family moved to Virginia, and then to Georgia. The two parents raised their family, and the boys grew up, graduated from High School (1990 & 1991), and joined the military shortly thereafter. The empty-nested couple moved back to Virginia in 1993, and on to Colorado in 1995. In the meantime, Joseph and Timothy began families of their own, and Robert and Bernie became proud Grandparents of Dominic (Joseph and Carolyn's son), Mitchell, Mary, and Christopher (Timothy's children).

Bernadette left the world way too soon. She devoted her life to her family. She loved life, Boone's Farm wine, The Oldies, dancing, singing, and going to the movies. The following is a list of her favorite people that she would call on their birthdays, and sing Happy Birthday to (albeit out of tune): Robert, Theresa, Donald, Margaret, Johnny, Bill, Sadie, Hartwell, Mitchell, Carrie, Kenny, David, Paul, Harold, Jacqueline, John, Joseph, Timothy, Carolyn, Jennifer, Darcy, Danielle, Anita, Kitty, Austine, Karen, Chris H., Dominic, Mitch, Mary, Christopher, Rhonda, Billy, Antonio, and so many others.

The family requests that local family and friends please join them for lunch/remembrance on May 27, 2022. Additional information forthcoming. The family will be planning a gigantic Celebration of Life in New York on Bernadette’s birthday on September 13, 2022. More details to come. 
 

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