Dorothy Bowes, 82, of Philmont, died Sunday at Columbia Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born Dorothy Anne Yerick on January 10, 1931, in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late William E. Yerick Sr. and Lillian May Kilmer Yerick. She met her future husband, Robert B. Bowes, while they were working on the Chatham American Legion toy drive. They were married December 26, 1959. Dot graduated in 1948 from Philmont High School and in 1951 from the Union University of Nursing, which is now the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in School Nurse Teaching from the New York State Teachers College at Plattsburgh.  She worked at Brigham and Women's Hospital (formally Peter Brigham Hospital) in Boston for three years before returning to Columbia County, where she worked as a school nurse/teacher at Chatham Central School District until she and Bob started a family. Later, Dot became School Nurse at the Ockawamick building of the Taconic Hills School District during the 1970s. She then worked as a nurse at Pine Haven Home and at the Firemen's Home in Hudson, retiring in 1993. She volunteered at Columbia Memorial Hospital as a member of the hospital auxiliary.  Countless Philmont residents past and present were comforted by Dot's compassionate care and support during times of illness or sorrow. A trusted friend and companion, she always went the extra mile to ease the burden of neighbors in need, any hour of the day. Dot was a former Trustee of the Philmont Public Library. Among community projects that benefited from her leadership were creation of the Philmont Village Green, the Philmont Toy Drive, and planting of memorial trees along Maple Avenue. Dot was on the original board of the Philmont Hearth and formerly was a religious education teacher. She was a Communicant of St. James Church in Chatham.  Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, Jean Calvin (Jim) of Valatie NY, William Bowes (Chantalle Edmunds) of Poplar Grove IL, Mary Cremo (Michael) of Scotia NY, and Patricia Bowes (Robert Sitser) of West Ghent NY; four grandchildren, Brian, Thomas and Joseph Cremo and Amanda Calvin; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Robert Yerick and William Yerick Jr. Family will receive friends on Wednesday January1st. at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, from 4 to 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10am in Saint James Church.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Philmont Public Library, PO Box 816, Philmont NY 12565, or the American Cancer Society. For directions or to convey an online condolence visit frenchblasl.com.