Catherine Merle "Cattie" Bowles, 93, of Hollywood, MD, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 in St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born September 26, 1917 in Chancellorsville, VA, she was the daughter of the late Robert Wesley and Mary Jane Thompson Oliver.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bowles was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Douglas Bowles in 1997, her children; Thomas Richard Bowles and Mary Jean Gatton, her son-in-law's Daniel William "Billy" Gatton and Charles Lawrence, granddaughter Danna Gatton and siblings; Agnes Brown and Thelma Coleman.

Mrs. Bowles is survived by her children; Doris Lawrence (Charles, deceased) of Mechanicsville, MD, Douglas Bowles (Mary) of Hollywood, MD, Lorraine Nelson (James Larry) of Mechanicsville, MD, Cathy Johnson of Kansas City, MO, Eleanor Alvey (Robert) of Hollywood, MD, Donna Garrison (Steve) of Oklahoma City, OK, Phyllis Hall (Joe) of Chaptico, MD, Francis Bowles (Bonnie) of Hollywood, MD, and Wallace Bowles (Donna) of Hollywood, MD. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Catherine Oliver Bowles grew up in Chancellorsville, VA. The eldest of three, she spent a lot of time in St. Mary's County at her Grandmother Thompson's house in Hollywood. She enjoyed going to dances with her two aunts, Hope Adams and Agnes Tufte. It was at a dance that she met Thomas Douglas Bowles. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1936 at St. John's Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD by Reverend J. M. Johnson.

In 1972, Mrs. Bowles started working in the cafeteria at Greenview Knolls Elementary School. She retired in 1982. After retirement and up until death, Mrs. Bowles volunteered at the St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD. She was affectionatly known as "Mama Bowles" to both residents and staff. She was especially close to staff members Kim, Mike, Kellie, Brenda, and Erin. She loved all of the residents and considered them a part of her family.

Mrs. Bowles had a deep faith in God and was often reading from her prayer book or saying her rosary. She never forgot to tell her family that she loved them and she prayed for them every day. Mrs. Bowles remembered all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's birthdays and would send each a birthday card every year. Catherine enjoyed life. When she wasn't working or volunteering, she enjoyed reading spending time with her family, crosswords and puzzles, walking on the farm, and dancing. She was a truly remarkable person and loved by all that knew her. Her family and friends will truly miss her.

The family will receive friends for Mrs. Bowles's life celebration on Monday, January 31, 2011 at St. John's Catholic Church from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Father Raymond Schmidt celebrating and Father John Dakes co-celebrating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Lawrence, Thomas Bowles, David Gatton, Joey Hall, Steven Alvey and Ray Bowles. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic Church, 43950 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or the St. Mary's Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.