Archive 2008 - 2019

2009 Citizen of the Year ~ Margaret Bowles ~

by Lina Arena-DeRosa
9/28/2009

Margaret Bowles has been a resident of Holliston for over sixty years.  She is best known for being the “cafeteria mom” at the Placentino/Miller Schools where she has been a fixture for over forty years.

Margaret Bowles has been a resident of Holliston for over sixty years.  She is best known for being the “cafeteria mom” at the Placentino/Miller Schools where she has been a fixture for over forty years.  At one time, she also worked as a school crossing guard.  She would make sure all the kids had their lunch, then put on her vest and help them cross the street. 

Margaret is kind, caring and thoughtful, and always filled with warm words for every child she serves.  The students, parents and facility of the Holliston Elementary Schools have come to know her as one of the most dependable, compassionate and considerate members of their staff.

("Bowlesy" in her honorary cheerleader's jacket)

Margaret is also an institution at the Pop Warner Football games where for years she helped with the concession stands, equipment booth, clean up and whatever else needed to be done.  To this day, you will find her at the A-team games that her grandson helps coach on Sunday mornings or at the Holliston High School Football Friday night home games, where she is on the sidelines with pompons in hand!

Since arriving in Holliston, Margaret has been the kind of woman who not only promotes community service but lives her life committed to community service.  From the time her children were young, she would bake for nursing homes and those in need during the holidays, always in her quiet unassuming way. She is a regular at St. Mary’s morning services and can be found helping her church in too many ways to count. Margaret is also a fixture during the Senior Center’s Annual Fair, always in the kitchen, doing whatever needs to be done. 

(husband Michael with Margaret)

Margaret is best known for her huge heart, her caring demeanor and her understated commitment to community service.  This is why Margaret Bowles has been chosen as the 2009 Celebrate Holliston’s Citizen of the Year.  

Comments (5)

Margaret, I was so happy to hear that you received this tribute.Well deserved for sure!!You may not remember me, but I could never forget you. Always there for everyone else and always with a smile and a good word. Congratulations to you.

Meryl Thompson | 2009-10-29 18:38:17

Margaret, Holliston Football LOVES YOU! You are and always will be our #1 fan! Go Panthers, Go Margaret!

H.H.S. Football Team | 2009-10-25 09:51:13

This is the perfect tribute to an "unsung" hero. My kids and then my grandkids have all talked about Margaret, how nice she was to them and how she would joke with them. Congratulations to you, Margaret, you earned this 100-fold! Thanks for all your kind service.

Mary | 2009-09-30 08:23:17

Margaret, Congrats this is well deserved. Many can learn from you and your years of community giving. You have been a role model for many.

ed | 2009-09-29 19:01:16

Congratulations to Margaret. When I worked at Placentino for awhile as a lunch room sub, I gained a new appreciation for how hard all the Ladies work there to provide food for the kids. Dishes were an incredible task, as you can imageine, but Margaret ALWAYS had a smile and a good word for everyone. And how she loves the kids! Alway is aksing how my kids are when ever I run into her. It made my day to see her getting recognized by the town. Much happiness Margaret. So happy to be one of your neighbors here in Holliston!

Cathy Stenquist | 2009-09-29 13:23:28