By AML Publisher
Photos by Jubilee Photography

“My life is full; full of interests, friends, and family. But, I hope to add a special someone to share the laughter and experiences of life with,” said Bowersox.

Toni Bowersox is a self-proclaimed tomboy. And, for the 53-year-old, Wilmington native she would not have it any other way. The AML sensational single, with an adorable pixie cut and personality to match, always found playing with the neighborhood boys growing up more intriguing than hanging with the girls. And, that playfulness and outgoing part of her rings true today. “I’ve always been on the periphery – not a follower, nor a trendsetter, but someone who is comfortable in her own skin being unique, following my own style. As a young girl, I climbed trees with the neighborhood boys—pretty much a tomboy, but yet held on to my feminine charm and character. To this day I am very at ease with men and attribute this to being a part of their play from an early age,” explained Bowersox.

The mother of one whose daughter, Taylor, is a nineteen-year old with special needs and whom Bowersox calls her “greatest teacher,” Toni was married for over twenty years before divorcing in 2008. Bowersox comes from a childhood where her own parents divorced when she was eight-but family ties remained important. “As a young girl, many of my weekends were spent at the homes of my Italian relatives playing with my many cousins. I have fond memories of Saturday dinners followed by games with cousins, aunts, and uncles. And on the Polish side, we gathered as a family on Sundays at my maternal grandmother’s home. This was a much more sedate gathering, but none the less fostered that love of family, tradition, and closeness,” said Toni.

Bowersox is an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

Bowersox draws from a family lineage of independent women—her maternal grandmother was a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ the cultural iconic name for women who worked in factories during World War II. Toni’s mother moved to Germany when she was sixteen. Bowersox decided to stay behind and finish out her high school years in Wilmington. Today, Bowersox fosters her female relationships with her love of fitness and the outdoors—she regularly hosts yoga weekend getaways for women at her beach house in North Bethany.

Those friendships with men and women are a key facet of her life, explained Bowersox. But, to this day, she enjoys maintaining that independence she developed as a teenager. “I am okay with being by myself. Actually there are times when I must make time to do this, to recharge my batteries. My life is full; full of interests, friends, and family but I hope to add a special someone to share the laughter and experiences of life with.”

The 53-year-old Wilmington native enjoys biking, hiking, kayaking, interior decorating, and crafting.

Get to Know Toni

Full Name: Toni Ann Parisi Bowersox

Age: 53

Occupation: Sales

Height: 5’3 ¾

Hair Color: Light brown with blonde highlights

Eye Color: Brown

Marriage: Bowersox was married for over 20 years and has been divorced for about two years.

Children: Taylor, 19, Bowersox’s daughter with special needs. Taylor attended Chester County’s Camphill Special School for years where Bowersox currently resides on the board. “With children with special needs, it is never easy and there are challenges. But, Taylor has been one of my greatest teachers in life showing me how to live in the moment. I can’t explain how deep my love is for her.”

Faith: Spiritual

Charities of Choice: Habitat for Humanity, The Camphill Special School

Nationality: Polish & Italian

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

Resides: West Chester

High School: Concord High School

College: University of Delaware, Special Education

“I like to surround myself with good friends for fun and laughter. With that said, I am also okay with being by myself. Actually, there are times when I must make time to do this–to recharge my batteries,” explained Toni

Hobbies: Biking, hiking, kayaking, interior decorating, crafting

Sign: Gemini/Cancer

Pet: Golden Retriever, Rosie

Personal Trainer of Choice: Mike Quarto, QFitness (qfitness.com) West Chester

Fit and Fabulous: “It is very important for the person I date to be physically fit and conscious of the importance of their health and body and enjoys the outdoors. That also translates to a certain mental and emotional level of fitness.”

Volunteering: Bowersox started giving back to the community in her early twenties-volunteering at a local hospital in the pediatric division. Today, it’s a priority for her and for the person she dates.

Describe what you are looking for in a relationship: A friend—a companion, someone to share life with; someone with a heart who can shed a tear, but just as important is someone who is in great shape—physically and emotionally. He will be confident and curious, open to new experiences, flexible and young-at-heart and at this point in his life able to afford, both in time and money, to travel and play.

Idea Of a Great First Date: If I am interested in the man, he should think outside the box…not dinner and a movie but maybe a Phillies game, Longwood at Christmas, picnic lunch in the park, a map to a destination meeting spot-just surprise me! If we are meeting for the first time, coffee at Starbucks or lunch at a local restaurant.

Last Relationship Ended: When I realized I was offering much more than I was receiving.

First Kiss Was: My childhood crush, Bobby—we were five or six playing doctor.

First Time My Heart Was Broken: The day my mom took me by the hand and walked away from my dad, home, and friends.

In High School I Was: Part of the “In Crowd.”

Biggest Misconception About Me: I have it all together.

Favorite Sports Teams: Phillies

Favorite Philadelphia Professional Athlete: Ryan Howard

Brush with Fame: I’ve been an extra in a couple of films, an infomercial, and a commercial or two. I’ve also been on-air on QVC, in People Magazine, on the Danny Bonaducci show to promote a book, and was photographed and quoted in USA Today. My work with Habitat for Humanity has also been documented both in the Bloomberg Report and on Habitat’s web site. My involvement with, and support of, Camphill Special School has been documented by AroundMainLine.com.

Bowersox’s idea of a great first date includes taking in a Phils’ game and cheering on Ryan Howard.

Personal Motto: Honesty is the best policy.

Date Deal Breaker: If the date becomes intoxicated or treats others disrespectfully, is crude or rude.

Favorite Local Shore Town? I’m a Delaware beach girl—Bethany, Lewes, or Rehoboth.

My Friends Would Describe Me As: Adorable, genuine, down to earth, and young at heart!

First Date Kiss? It all depends on the person.

Favorite Clothing Stores: Nordstrom/shoes & boots; Anthropology/tops; Apricot Lane/dresses & tops; Lucky Brand/jeans

Last Book You Read: “Against Medical Advice”

Favorite Movie of the Moment: “Precious”

Favorite Musician: Black Eyed Peas

TV Shows You Never Miss: Gray’s Anatomy and Californication

Most Attractive Physical Part of A Man Is: Besides his mind-great biceps, not overly large just defined…yum!

Favorite Food: Nuts

Favorite Cocktail: Wine

Favorite Restaurant in the Burbs: Savona Bistro, Kennett Square (www.savonabistro.com)

Favorite thing to Grab at Wawa: Apples and peanut butter.

Best Way to Spend a Sunday Afternoon: Visiting with my daughter at school!

Date Pet Peeves: Not being attentive to his date.

I Love Men Who Are: Confident, intelligent, kind, fit, and present in the moment.

When I date a man they can expect: My attention and the unexpected!

Want to nominate a sensational single for AroundMainLine.com to consider? Email: singles@aroundmainline.com with a picture and a maximum 50 word description. Singles can reside anywhere throughout the Delaware Valley, minimum age required is 21. Nominations will be kept strictly confidential.