Jacqueline (Jackie) Darlene Bowen was 87 years old when she passed from this life. She and her husband Bill are long time residents of Ithaca. She is survived by Bill, her two sons Craig (Wilsonville, OR) and Kent, his wife Renata (Gaylord, MI) grandchildren Kyle & his wife Ashley (Plymouth, MI), Katie & her husband Tony (Waltham, MA), Corbin (Wilsonville, OR), Cailyn & husband Mike (Pasadena, MD), great grandchildren Jackson, Olivia, Harrison, Hattie, and Hazel.
She was born in Hicksville, Ohio to Milton and Vera Hamman. She grew up in Butler, Indiana where she met Bill. They married there in 1954 and soon after moved to Ithaca. The Bowen house is filled with the best memories of family, "that hand blown glass bowl belonged to Great Grandma Cannon, that cabinet was Grandpa Hamman's where he kept his hand-made fishing lures, that decorative measuring spoon set in the window was just like the one my Grandma used." You'll also see furniture made by Bill and finished staining & painting completed by Jackie. She was a good cook and made it look effortless. The food was always warm, delicious, and best served at a table surrounded by family and friends. If your're lucky, there would be a big bowl of baked beans that Jackson calls "special beans," and indeed they were. Olivia knows how to make the best deviled eggs with Great Grandma's helpful hand and watchful eye and Hattie knows the secret too.
For years, Jackie bowled on a woman's league in Ithaca and she and Bill enjoyed looking for treasures at flea markets and antique fairs.....they called it "going junkin." Bill and Jackie have been members of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca since the 1955 serving in leadership and supportive roles including the church board, food pantry, and community dinners. Jackie was an aide at South Ithaca Elementary School for many years watching over a couple generations of children. She was skilled with knitting needles, a crochet hook, and a sewing machine making what will be heirloom pieces for all her grandchildren who she loved to visit. We will remember and celebrate a life well lived and well loved when the weather turns warm.
A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday April 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with Reverend Joey Nowak officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10am until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the memorial service.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfh.com.