Jeannette M. (Steele) Bowlby

Mrs. Jeannette M. (Steele) Bowlby, a lifelong resident of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 85. She was surrounded by her loving family at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence in Wayland.

Jeannette was born on July 9, 1938, to Joseph and Rose (Landry) Steele. She attended Saint Charles High School and graduated with fond memories. On June 29, 1957, she married Ronald A. Bowlby at Saint Charles Church. Jeannette dedicated herself to raising her family while also working for twenty-one years in machine operations and security at Polaroid until her retirement.

In her retirement, Jeannette discovered great fulfillment in giving back to her community through volunteering in the Waltham Public Schools via R.S.V.P (The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program). For an admirable twenty-two years, she selflessly devoted her time, energy, and experience to supporting students at Fitch and Stanley Elementary Schools, helping them become confident readers.

Jeannette's happiest place in the world was Rockport. Every year on her birthday, she would escape there to create cherished memories—shopping, dining, and basking in the serene presence of the ocean.

Jeannette was predeceased by her beloved husband Ronald A. Bowlby, her siblings Lorraine Ramos, Raymond Steele, and Carolyn Helton, and her granddaughter, Jodie.

She is survived by her sons Stephen P. Bowlby (Kathy) of New Braunfels, Texas, Michael R. Bowlby (Leslie) of Springfield, Virginia, Edward J. Bowlby (Karina) of Burbank, California, and David E. Bowlby of Waltham; her cherished grandchildren Dawn Smith (Clifton), Stacy, Lauren, Kailia, Edenne, and Jaelen; her brother-in-law and Ronald's twin brother, Richard Bowlby of Quincy; along with several nieces and nephews.

Services for Jeannette will be held privately.