Pauline left as gently as she had lived
Pauline Bowler, London and Kerry
“EVER has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.” - Kahul Gibrun.
That hour came for Pauline Bowler at 4.30pm on November 21, 2017; with husband Michael at her bedside, holding her hand, she passed away peacefully at University Hospital Kerry.
Pauline was born in Edmonton, London, on September 23, 1946, to Louisa and Noel Chattell, a surname originating from Alsace, France. She was educated at Montague grammar school, Edmonton, and she subsequently studied shorthand and typing.
In 1964, aged 18, the family moved to Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where she commenced her working life as a secretary-cum-typist in insurance. Then, in 1980, she applied for a post with customs and excise at Southend Airport. There she met and worked with Michael Bowler, a uniformed customs officer.
Around this time, Michael was working on a manuscript and asked if Pauline would type it for him. She did this in her spare time at home. When she declined any payment for her hard work, Michael suggested a meal out instead, which happened on his birthday in 1980.
It was six years later, on May 25, 1986, that they were engaged, and on a sunny day on September 20, 1986, they were married in St Peter’s Catholic Church, Eastwood, Leigh-onSea. Some four years later, the manuscript that brought them together came to fruition with the publication of the novel ‘Destiny of Dreams’, helped in no small part by Pauline.
Then, in April 2013, they decided to retire to Kerry. Faithful to the end, Pauline left her family in Essex to accompany Michael back to his roots in the kingdom. There, they hoped to see out their autumn years together.
However, within six months, Pauline contracted breast cancer, which she fought bravely over the following year. Having recovered, she was strong enough to travel, and so they had their last holiday together in Rome in 2015, which included a visit to St Peter’s Square for a general audience with Pope Francis.
Finally, in the autumn of 2017, Pauline was struck with colon cancer, her second bout in four years. However, halfway through her treatment she was admitted to hospital and, within five days, the second bout of cancer claimed her life. Pauline died as gently as she lived, with Michael by her side and supported by his relatives and best friend.
At her funeral service on November 24, three symbols of her life were presented: a single rose reflected her love of gardening and nature; a cookery book represented her passion for cooking, especially her baking of soda bread and currany cake; and a photo of her beloved dogs Missey and Zebo symbolised her love of animals.
In her short time in Kerry, Pauline felt at home between the mountains and the sea. Her quiet and gentle nature endeared her to her family and friends.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Michael; sister Stephanie; niece Helen; Michael’s sister Alice and brother Pat; and her extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain. I am the rush of birds in flight,
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I do not die.