Bessie A. "Bess" (Whipple) Stowell

ORANGE- Bessie A. “Bess” (Whipple) Stowell, 90, of Clifton Street, died Thursday afternoon, May 11, 2023 at the Greenfield Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Bess was the 2nd of 7 children born to Fay and Nellie (Hutchins) Whipple in Orange, MA on September 9, 1932. She went to Orange Elementary and graduated from Orange High School in 1950.

She met David Stowell and they were married in 1954 following his discharge from the Navy. They enjoyed 52 years together until his death in 2006.

Bess was a stay-at-home mom when their two children were pre-school, doing extra child care during the day and waitressing evenings and weekends when Dave was home. Later she worked various offices at Mahar Regional for 30 years ending as secretary for the Vice Principal.

Dave and Bess always felt blessed with two children, Jeffrey Stowell of Lynn, MA and Karen (Stowell) Flint of Orange, MA; grandchildren, Matthew Flint of Orange, MA, Jesse Stowell and wife Charity of Harrisburg, PA, Rachel (Stowell) and husband Noel Robleto  of Beaverdam, VA, and Adriann Flint of Braintree, MA.  Also, great grandchildren Eloise, Justus, Camilla and Juliet Robleto. God children, Charles Whipple of Leominster, MA, William and Christina Oddy-Ashenden of Orange, MA.

In addition to three loving sisters, Hope Sterbinsky, Eva-Rae Skinner and Ruth Whipple, Bess had three important brothers in her life, Rodney Whipple and wife Helen, of Warwick, MA and FL, Donald Whipple and wife Betty of Orange, MA and FL, and James Whipple of Santa Barbara, CA; special friends, Candice Ashenden and Pamela Oddy of Orange, MA. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bess was a member of the Central Congregational Church of Orange for 54 years and more recently a member of the Community Church of North Orange and Tully. She was a member of the Senior Class and Spirit of Women at Franklin Medical Center, AAA, AARP, past member of Millers River Pomona, State and National Granges, Jumptown Twirlers, Square and Round Dance Clubs. She also participated in various activities in both churches.

In her 50 years of marriage with David, Bess felt she had the best. She was a devoted wife and family person and found great joy with their children. She enjoyed her gardens, berry picking, and other nature activities. Family was very important to her and she thoroughly enjoyed all “Together Activities”.

In addition to her mother, father and husband Dave, Bess was predeceased by her three sisters, and her late friend, William Fisher.  A sister-in-law, Shirley Demers, Jean (Stowell) Ohlson and brothers in law, Len Wilkinson, Roger, Douglas, Philip and Thomas Stowell.

It was her wish to have no calling hours and a private burial in South Cemetery, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Bess, please consider a contribution to the Community Church of North Orange & Tully, 48 Main Street, Orange, MA 01364 in her name, Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME. COM

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