Colleen Anne Bowdridge

August 21, 1942 – February 8, 2026

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Colleen Anne Bowdridge, who left us at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of her family, at the VG Hospital. Born in Halifax to the late Douglas and Marguerite O’Toole, she devoted her adult life to building a lively, welcoming home in Spryfield, where she and her husband raised their large family.

In 1963, she married the love of her life, Roy Edward (“Ed”), and together they created a strong, joyful marriage built on partnership, humour, and unwavering commitment. As the proud matriarch of a bustling household of nine children, Colleen was the heart—and the ever present “CEO”—of the family; she kept things together through both the easy times and the hard ones, always providing steady guidance.

She is survived by her children, Eddie (Rhonda), Stephen (Gilda), Mary-Ann Falconer, Sharon (Lawrence) Fillmore, Maureen (Paul) Wickwire, Gary, Bruce and Douglas (Jennifer); and her 21 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren, each one of whom was her favorite.

She is also survived by her brothers, Douglas (Ethel) and Patrick, and several in-laws on the Bowdridge side of the family. She was Aunt Colleen to many and will be especially missed by her Tufts nieces and nephews, with whom she remained particularly close.

Colleen was predeceased by her husband, Roy Edward (“Ed”); her son, Timothy; her son-in-law, Sandy Falconer; her sister, Rosalie Tufts; and her brothers, Jack and Terry.

A familiar presence in the community, in her grandmother era, she became known to many as Nan B—a talented knitter who generously made mittens or rink blankets for any child who admired them or simply asked. She was a great baker, and her delicious pies were a staple at special occasions; she always made each person’s favorite.

An accomplished bowler, she took great enjoyment in the morning leagues at the Spryfield Bowlarama, where she played for many years, forming lifelong friendships and cherishing the time spent with her teammates.

She found a lot of fun in the simple things—word puzzles, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and especially spending afternoons playing cards with her beloved “Bowling Girls,” whose laughter and companionship brought her immense happiness over the years.

Colleen lived her life devoted to the people she loved. She did her best to be there for the school events, activities, and milestones of her children and grandchildren, offering a steady, dependable presence. She supported her family in simple, meaningful ways—showing up, bringing something along, listening, and helping however she could. She cared about her community in the same way, supporting local school and sport fundraisers and often lending a hand to individuals who needed it.

One of Colleen’s greatest joys was the family camp at Lake Torment, lovingly built with Ed as a gathering place where generations would come together to laugh, play, and make memories.

Cremation has taken place under the care of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Beechville.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026. The family invites you to join them for a drop-in reception from 2PM to 4PM in the St. Mary’s Boat Club, 1641 Fairfield Rd, Halifax, NS, B3H 4E9.

Burial at Fairview Lawn Cemetery will take place at a later date, where she will rest with her soulmate Ed, beside their son Timmy.

Family flowers only, please. Donations in Colleen’s memory may be made to Chebucto Connections.