Small World

A couple of years before Mary passed away, she reconnected with the western Bowen branch of the family. This branch is related to Mary through her grandfather, James Bowen. His brother, Bryson was best man at James' wedding to Gwen and later he married Gwen's maid of honour, Frances Deyl.

Bryson and Frances had two children, William Joseph and Ruth Mary. Ruth married Cliff, who was in the military. One day, Mary was going through her grandmother's address book (found in the Treasure Box - more about this later) with a neighbour, Marg MacMillan, when Marg recognized one of the names in the book as a friend of a friend. Phone calls were made, and sure enough, this was Mary's 1st cousin once removed, Ruth.

Here is Ruth and Cliff on their wedding day.

Ruth in turn introduced us to the rest of her family, husband Cliff, nieces Deyl and Brenda, and their children. We've referred to them since as the 'Internet Cousins".

Deyl was the flower girl for Ruth and Cliff's wedding.

The first meeting of these two branches was between Mary and Deyl. Sadly, both have left this earth now, but we're sure they're raising heck together in a better place.