Mattie Marina Haile-Bowens (affectionately known as “Lil’ Babé/Babé”) was born on January 19, 1915 to Eugene Haile and Ella Wiley-Haile in Camden, S.C. She was the youngest of three born to this union. She had an older sister, Burdette Wiley-Jackson Rogers, and a brother, Willie Eugene Haile. Marina attended school in Camden, S.C. and graduated magna cum laude from Mather Academy. In school, she participated in many activities, but chose her favorite as articulation/communication.
After graduating, Marina continued to experience life by relocating to Brooklyn, N.Y. to live with her sister, Burdette. She later returned to Camden, S.C., where she married William James Bowens. The two returned to work and study in New York, starting in Rye, N.Y. before continuing to Great Barrington. In later years, they were blessed with three wonderful children: Anthony Eugene Bowens, Maryella Bowens-Satinover, and W. Loretta Bowens.
Mattie Marina succeeded in many challenging endeavors. She was a graduate of St. Luke’s Nursing School in Pittsfield. She continued her nursing profession at Pittsfield General Hospital in Pittsfield and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. Many doctors would request only to work with her during their time at the hospital. Marina dedicated 40 years of service to the nursing profession. Along the way, she made many long-lasting friendships/relationships. Even the babies she delivered would still send her Christmas cards with pictures of “their” babies.
She was a member and officer of the Berkshire Nursing Association, Past Matron, as well as other roles in the Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Rite of Adoption State of Massachusetts.
She united with Clinton AME Zion Church and served as Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Usher Board, as well as many other roles.
She sang in the choir at St. James Episcopal (Grace) Church in Massachusetts. In Los Angeles, she joined the Church of the Advent and St. Augustine by-the-Sea, where she sang in both choirs. She was affiliated with the Santa Monica Synagogue.
Marina was a member and participated in the Claire Teague Senior Center in Great Barrington and the Culver City Senior Center in Culver City, Calif. She was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s Barber Shop Singing Group in Great Barrington. She worked as a member and officer of the Thursday Morning Club. She also made major contributions to the Berkshire Centennial Anniversary.
Marina was one of the co-founders of the Martin Luther King Foundation. She worked on the Scholarship Committee that contributed many scholarships to worthy young applicants, leading to the success of their careers.
After retirement, William and Marina relocated to California, making it their home. During this time, she continued her travels. She traveled throughout the U.S., Canada, Israel (twice), Hawaii, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cabo San Lucas, and went on several cruises. She loved to entertain family and friends, specializing with elaborate table designs and exquisite food preparations. Her husband would ask, “How many people are coming?” Her standard answer would be, “Oh, just a few.” Yet the door never closed.
Marina also loved to dance and took pride in the flower gardens around her home.
Marina’s life was one of honor. She was well loved, respected, and held in high regard by all those who knew her. She led a life dedicated to service, but most importantly, she believed in God. She held strong religious faith and loved her family and community.
Her precious memories will be cherished by her two daughters, Maryella Bowens-Satinover (Frank) and W. Loretta Bowens; one daughter-in-law, GeorgeAnne Bowens; five grandchildren, Shelby, Kyalla, Lisa, Justin, and Rachel; four great-grandchildren, Collin, Chloe, Lola, and Brady; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. She will be remembered for her infectious smile.
Marina will now take a seat amongst the angels where she will join her husband, “Will”; her son, Anthony; her mother, Ella W. Haile; her father, Eugene Haile; her sister, Burdette; her brother, Willie; and her cherished fur babies, Mitzie, Jacques, and Shea.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
A virtual service for Marina will be hosted over Zoom by Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. EDT on May 18.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following:
- Grace’s Episcopal Church, 67 State Road suite #2, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
- Thursday Morning Club in care of Marilyn Dempsey-Cameron, 1477 Hartsville-New Marlborough Rd, New Marlborough, MA 01230
- Claire Teague Senior Center, 915 South Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
