Pearl Bowden Obituary (1933 - 2025)

On Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, Pearl Bowden, 92 of Corinna, went to be with her Lord and Savior. We take comfort in knowing that, in that moment, Heaven rejoiced, and the angels sang welcoming her home. Her faith was her compass, and now she rests in the presence of the One she loved so dearly. Though our hearts ache, we find peace in the promise of eternal life and the joy that surely surrounds her now. She was born on March 15,1933 to Sarkis and Veronica Hagopian. A photo of her as a toddler posed on a piano stool became the favorite seat that she could assume for most of her life. Her love of music started at an early age. She often expressed deep gratitude that her mother recognized this gift in her and made the financial sacrifice to send her weekly on a train to the Boston Conservatory, where she first began learning to play the piano. Although she learned all the proper music theory, she had a special piano teacher later that she said helped her become disciplined with her playing resulting in an amazing pianist whose music knew no boundaries and touched the lives of so many. Although, no doubt she could have easily pursued a career as a concert pianist, she used her talent and love of music as a way to serve God. She served as the organist, pianist and choir director at several churches throughout her adult life. She accompanied complex cantatas, weddings and funerals. Sharing her passion and paying it forward, she became that special piano teacher to over a hundred plus students. In addition to their lesson, the students never left without a cookie and of course a big hug! However, one of her greatest joys was leading a Monday morning sing along at a local nursing home for almost 50 years. Bringing music to the residents was no doubt the best medicine any of them received. Of course, she never left any of them without going to each one and giving a hug and letting them know they were loved. One might think that she had no time for anything else but music, but her family always came first. She met her husband Merrill of almost 62 years at a church where she was the pianist. He was drawn to her kind heart and love for the Lord that he heard flow through the keys as she played. He was her biggest fan and supported her passion throughout the years. They loved to invite others over for a home cooked meal, which by the way was another one of Pearl’s amazing talents. Most evenings ended around the piano, singing the gospel hymns and songs of praise together. There is that familiar phrase that some use to say, “I’m a people person.” In Pearl’s case, she truly was. She loved to serve others, and it was genuine. She listened to every word said, giving encouragement and prayer for needs shared with her. She demonstrated this love in countless ways and made everyone who interacted with her feel uniquely special. What an amazing gift that she role modeled so effortlessly for all of us to follow. She was called Auntie Pearl to the many nieces and nephews who she loved with all her heart. Wrapping her arms around each of them any time they were in her presence. Her yummy cowboy cookies, whoopie pies and popcorn balls were enjoyed by all. She was lovingly known as Mama, Grammy, and Grammy Pearl by her three children—Tom (and wife Sue), Debbie, and Lois; her two grandchildren—Chad (and his wife Brianna) and Joanna; and her two great-grandchildren—Brett and Knox. She shared her gift of music and her selfless love with each of them, touching their lives in ways that will never be forgotten. Most importantly, she gave them the greatest gift of all: the knowledge and love of Jesus, a legacy of faith that lives on deeply in their hearts. She was predeceased by her sister Martha Chakarian (and husband Andrew Chakarian) and is survived by her brother Chuck Hagopian (and companion Linda Richard). There will be two special celebrations of life to accommodate the traveling distance for her family and friends. For our friends and family in the New Hampshire/Massachusetts area a celebration of life will be held at Grace Chapel 7 Silver Avenue, Hooksett, New Hampshire @ 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th. The second celebration will occur at Merrill & Pearl’s home church at Pleasant Street Christian, 33 St. Albans Road, Corinna, Maine @11:00 on October 25th. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pleasant Street Christian Church, (33 St. Albans Road, Corinna Maine 04928) where Merrill and Pearl faithfully served.