Margaret Rose Bowden

Mrs. Margaret Rose Bowden, 90 years old of Chincoteague Island, Va., passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2026. Margaret is known as “The Queen” on the Island with her Royal Wave. Born Sept. 7, 1935, in Cheltenham, England, UK, to the late Arthur and Beatrice Phillips.

Margaret was a ‘work bride”, the story goes as... One snowy wintery night, Margaret’s (15 at the time) stepbrother brought home a GI named Ed Bowden for a hot dinner. When Margaret looked up to see the GI in his Army uniform, Margaret fell out of her chair, hit her head (still has bump). She thought he was the best-looking Yank she ever saw, and the rest was history for 64 years.

Margaret Bowden married the late Edward Bowden on Nov. 15, 1952. Margaret is survived by her daughter Sharon Ellis, husband Grady Ellis, granddaughter Jan Merritt, ‘husband’ Paul Chamberland, 2 great grandsons Paul and Joshua, Sister-in ( loved her like sister ) Shirley (Bowden) Scarbrough, and sister-in-law Ethel Bowden.  From her “English Family”, she still has 2 nieces and 1 nephew in England, and 1 niece in Canada, along with 7 other nieces and nephews. “Special Mentions” to all of Margaret's friends, who brought food to her, took her for a ride, took her to the store, called to check on her, came for a visit, and sat with her at McDonald's. A BIG THANK YOU!

Margaret was a loving mother, blessed to have her live 90 years. Mom, my best friend, my confidante, my shopping buddy. Margaret’s mind was very sharp; she was my memory bank. As her daughter, we never argued; we saved that for Dad. We loved talking and laughing together, even though she didn’t hear me half the time. Margaret was a typical ‘housewife’, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of little Sharon. She cleaned rooms at The Grandview Tourist Home on Chincoteague (long gone by the 1970’s). Margaret liked to do ceramics, crosswords, put puzzles together, read, and, most of all, she loved her Little Flip Phone so she could talk to her “Speed Dial” friends (about 30).  Margaret also leaves behind her special little dog, Sparky, her ears, her protector, her everything. He is a good puppy.NOT. She loved that little fellow. Margaret will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Going to miss her smile, her pretty green eyes, her laugh, her hugs her kisses and most of all her.."I LOVE YOU!" 

Love you Mom..Tell Dad HI. 

There will be a funeral service at 2 pm with a viewing one hour prior, on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island, VA. 

Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com. Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island, VA.

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