Donna Marie Fontaine Bowe, 69, of Newtown and New Fairfield, died peacefully December 1. Born on December 23, 1945, in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Marie and Eugene Fontaine.

She graduated from Danbury High School and Western Connecticut State University. Ms Bowe spent most of her days swimming in Putnam Lake, N.Y., before raising two children, and becoming a registered nurse. She was instrumental in the establishment of the addiction programs at Fairfield Hills Hospital for many years, where she loved many, and was loved by many. She retired as a nurse from Garner Correctional Institution with a full love for life and the people she worked with. Her full-time job then became being a grandmother, and driving her convertible to the beach while cranking her music and singing at the top of her lungs.

Two children, Eileen Bowe, and her husband George Korol, of Coral Springs, Fla., and Michael Bowe, and his wife Lisa, of New Milford survive Ms Bowe, as well as Colleen Bowe; and her exceptional grandchildren and best friends: In her words, “the chosen one,” Michael Brian Bowe, Jessica Ann Bowe, her “soul mate and backup singer,” Tyler Michael Bowe, “who will change the sports world forever,” and Ashley Elizabeth Bowe, “who is almost ready to run our country,” all from New Milford. Her husband, Brendan Bowe, predeceased her on Christmas Day, 2005.

Family and friends appreciate that the world has suffered a truly great loss with the passing of Ms Bowe, and will strive to elevate themselves to continue her unconditional joy of life and love for others.

A memorial service took place December 5.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx NY 10475 or at www.nyffburncenter.org.

To send a message of condolence visit www.danburymemorial.com.