Bonita E. Bonnie (Eames) Bowden passed away at her home in Melrose, on Wednesday, August 22nd, surrounded by her family & friends. She was 63 years of age. Bonnie was born in Springfield, MA raised in Bethel, Maine, graduated from Gould Academy in Bethel and from the University of Southern Maine, with a teaching degree in elementary education. Mrs. Bowden taught public school for 5 years in Maine, at the Colonial Park Elementary School in Stoneham for 4 years and then retired to raise her family. After raising her family Bonnie returned to teaching at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church Nursery School. She taught at the school for 18 years and during her tenure she was the co-director of the school for 15 years, retiring in June 2004. Mrs. Bowden had been a resident of Melrose since 1969, was a longtime member of Melrose Highlands Congregational Church; where she was very active in the Womens Guild and was presently the Christian Education Director. Bonnie loved working with children, she was known in her family as the favorite aunt and was extremely kind to all her friends and neighbors. Mrs. Bowden enjoyed spending time in Bethel & Cape Elizabeth Maine, flower gardening, was an avid reader and loved all her pets. Bonnie was the devoted wife of Keith H. Bowden. Loving mother of Glenn R. Bowden & Valerie J. Bowden both of Melrose. Beloved daughter of Katheryn (MacKay) Eames of ME. & the late Rodney Eames. Caring sister of Lorraine Zimmerman of SC, William Eames of TX & Samuel Eames of NH. Daughter in law of Alanson Bud Bowden of ME & the late Florine Bowden. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St. Melrose, on Tues., August 28th at 11AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday, from 4-8PM. Interment in New Powers Cemetery Newry, ME will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Bonnies name to the Remembrance Fund @ Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St. Melrose 02176.