94-year-old baking phenom makes weekly treats for fellow seniors in Halifax
In Winnifred Bowden’s kitchen you’ll always find an array of freshly baked homemade goods, from lemon loaves to peanut butter cookies and blueberry muffins.
“I really love baking, but it's tiresome," said Bowden with a laugh. “I have to take a break sometimes and then I get right back to it.”
The Halifax senior has made a lot of treats over the years. Even at the age of 94, she still bakes several times a week.
“When I get down, I will get my cookbook out and say, ‘What should I make today?’”
Bowden said she learned to bake from several members of her family, including her father and uncle.
She always bakes with others in mind.
In fact, she spends hours every week making treats for fellow seniors at her residence -- something she’s done for the last 30 years.
“To me, they are my second family,” said Bowden.
Her neighbour Ann Duffy says Bowden’s giving and generous spirit uplifts the entire residence.
“I was very sick for a while and she’d bring me breakfast and everything,” said Duffy. “She does that and shares her cooking three to four times a week.”
“My favourite is her banana muffins,” said neighbour Ronald Ranson. “Everything she makes is great.”
Winnifred Bowden (right), a 94-year-old living in Halifax, bakes weekly treats for her fellow residents. (Courtesy: Paul Bowden)
Bowden’s recipes have been featured in a cookbook, and she even holds her own bake sales.
While she says 94 is just another measurement, she doesn’t take it for granted.
“I’m really blessed,” said Bowden. “I thank God every day that he gives me strength to do this.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pennsylvania chocolate plant blast kills 5, leaves 6 missing
An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania Friday killed two people and left nine people missing, authorities said.

Ukraine says battle for Bakhmut is 'stabilizing'
The top commander of Ukraine's military said Saturday that his forces are pushing back against Russian troops in the long and grinding battle for the town of Bakhmut, and British military intelligence says Russia appears to be moving to a defensive strategy in eastern Ukraine.
Trump rallying supporters in Waco ahead of possible charges
Staring down a possible indictment, a defiant Donald Trump is hoping to put on a show of force Saturday as he holds the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
'Everything is interwoven': Trudeau and Biden vow continued Canada-U.S. collaboration during historic visit
U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced updates on a number of cross-border issues, after a day of meetings on Parliament Hill.
Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
The new asylum seeker agreement between Canada and the United States will not deter migrants from trying to cross into Canada outside official ports of entry, Quebec immigration advocacy groups say.
Scientists say they've solved the mystery of cigar-shaped comet 'Oumuamua
Scientists now say they know outerspace object ‘Oumuamua is, and the answer is more simple than some previous theories have suggested.
'A riot of colours' and 'stunning views' can be found in Canada's national parks. Here's where to go this summer
This past week, Parks Canada opened up its reservation system for the 2023 season, offering places to stay, hikes to take and national historic sites to visit across the country. According to three experts, here's where to travel this summer.
Incredible photos show northern lights dancing across much of Canada
Sky-gazers and shutterbugs across much of Canada were treated to a spectacular display of northern lights Thursday night and into Friday morning.
W5 | Comedian Russell Peters doesn't pull punches in climate of 'cancel culture,' 'political correctness'
CTV W5 speaks with members of the comedy industry, including Russell Peters, for a wide-ranging look at how political correctness and 'cancel culture' has changed the world of stand-up comedy.