Burnette Nora (Plourde) Bowker

Burnette Nora (Plourde) Bowker, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on February 8, 2024. A native of Fort Kent, Maine, she was born to Alphonse and Theresa (Charette) Plourde as the youngest of nine siblings. Burnette was a gifted career teacher, devoted mother and wife, and loyal friend known for her light-hearted humor and dedication to family, friends, and the community. Married to David Warren Bowker of Appleton, Wisconsin for fifty years, Burnette extended her teaching talents while teaching abroad at the international school in Iran for four years during the early years of their marriage. Together they raised their family while living in California, Arizona, and Missouri and then retiring to Fort Kent.

Burnette tirelessly served as a local, state, and regional leader in the community serving to influence positive change and promoting strong values for education, women, and society. Burnette served terms as state and local president of the Maine Business and Professional Women and state president of the Columbiettes, actively participated in the Ladies of Saint Anne and Fort Kent Historical Society along with active membership in the Retired Maine Education Association and board member on the Maine Women Hall of Fame. Burnette was an influential champion for the continued education of seniors at the University of Maine at Fort Kent Senior College.

Burnette’s family and friends can all easily recall how much she made everyone laugh with her engaging banter and wit, insightful knowledge of local history, and complimentary comments and gestures. Her coveted poppyseed bread was treasured by those fortunate to have it hand-delivered or even sent across the world and could never be duplicated despite everyone’s best attempts. She was a cherished mother, sister, aunt, and friend who were all touched by her unwavering commitment to them.

Burnette is survived by her brother, Joel Plourde, son Donald Bowker (Jill), daughter Tracie Younce (Adam), grandchildren Sydney and Michael, and many family members in the Fort Kent area. The Bowker family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the family and friends for their support and loving outreach. In following with Burnette’s wishes, a funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Fort Kent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Burnette’s name to the Fort Kent Historical Society. God is our beginning, our hope, and our end.

Condolences may be sent to: michaudfuneralhomes.com 

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