Eleanor M. Bowden, 95, formerly of Cleland Mill Road, New Castle, passed away the morning of June 4, 2012 at Jameson Care Center.Born June 6, 1916, in New Castle, she was a daughter of the late Jesse W. and Margaret E. Curts Heckart.After graduating from Union High School in 1932 at the age of 16, Eleanor was always actively involved with her community in many ways. During the 1940's, she was very active with the Union Township PTA, where she served as president for several years.She married Michael Bowden on July 2, 1935. From 1945 to 1957, never taking a vacation other than an occasional Sunday trip to Lake Erie, Eleanor and her husband, Mike, owned and operated a Clover Farm Grocery Store. He preceded her in death on May 21, 1991.Eleanor was a 90 year member of First United Methodist Church where she was involved in many church activities. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, the head of the X.Y.Z. Club, the Eltekon-Kumjoynus Sunday school class, the secretary of the Building Committee, and she sang in the church choir. When her husband, Mike, retired, she served as church secretary for 11 years.Besides serving her church family, Eleanor's love for serving her own family was equally important. This was evident as she hosted gatherings for her large family on holidays and other special occasions, reaching up to as many as 35 people. Having her family gathered together was always very special to her. She loved crocheting and over the years made many, many afghans for everyone in her family.Poetry was a big part of Eleanor's life. She has written numerous poems, particularly season appropriate poems that were printed in her church's monthly newsletter for many years. Many people requested that she write poems to honor special occasions in their lives, and she was always most happy to oblige. In honor of her 90th birthday, three of her granddaughters put together and printed a book of her poems. This book was something she had always dreamt of.She is survived by one daughter, Margaret of New Wilmington, PA; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald A. and Diane Bowden of New Castle and Richard M. and Aletha Bowden of Canfield, OH; one sister, Miriam I. Montgomery of New Middletown, OH; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, George C. Heckart.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle and on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the church. The Rev. Edward Bailey will officiate. Burial will be in Castle View Gardens.Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 135 Decker Drive, New Castle, PA 16105.