Obituary of Shirley G. Bovard

Shirley Gwen Bovard, 89, long time resident of Larchmont, passed away on 8/30/12. Born June 19, 1923 in Wisbech, England, Shirley emigrated to the USA at the age of 21, to be with her new American husband, Everett, at the end of WWII. They remained married for 62 years, until his death in 2007. Shirley was a known watercolor artist, and her paintings are in private collections. She exhibited locally, and won many prizes. She was an active member of Mamaroneck Artist's Guild and New Rochelle Art Association. Shirley expressed a deep love of nature through her work, a love that was passed down to her children and grandchildren. During her frequent walks at Marshlands Conservancy, and Manor Park, Shirley gathered inspiration for her paintings. Shirley also loved music and dance, as well as literature, and reading to children. She served as a reading tutor at KEEPs, an afterschool program in Mamaroneck. Shirley had a tender heart for animals, and was a supporter of local shelters. She was an ardent supporter of Smile Train, a non-profit that organization that provides no cost surgeries to children born with cleft palate in impoverished countries. Other memberships include many years in PEO, a charitable women's sorority, as well as long time membership at Larchmont Avenue Church and the Larchmont Women's Club. Shirley is survived by her loving children Jill (Jim) Owens of Queens, Meryl Bovard of Rye, and Everett Jr. (Jeannine) Bovard of Saratoga Springs, NY. Her grandchildren Juliette, Natalie, Brent and Justin brought her abiding joy. Also surviving her are five nieces and nephews, and loving and exceptional caregivers to whom the family is especially grateful. Shirley's sun filled home was a gathering place for play readings, games, spiritual book discussions, spontaneous children's dances and singing "performances, " as well as lively conversations over tea. Shirley's English heritage, creative spark , and love of beauty were hallmarks of her life. A Celebration of Shirley's life will take place at 1pm, Sept. 29, 2012, at the Larchmont Avenue Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org in memory of Shirley Bovard.