Joan Marie Bowen passed away peacefully on June 15, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, in her Glendora home of 61 years. She was 89 years old.
Joan was born on March 12, 1933, to Lisle and Peg Sheedy. She and her younger brothers, Jim and Bill, were raised in Corning, New York. She attended Northside High School in Corning, before graduating as a registered nurse from The Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, New York. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. It was there that she met a young dental student named Warren Bowen. The rest, as they say, is history. Joan and Warren were married on July 7, 1956, in her hometown.
After several years in Austin, Texas, where Warren served in the United States Air Force, Joan and Warren settled in Glendora, California in 1961, to raise their family of nine children. They were among the early families at St. Dorothy Catholic Church, where they were faithful parishioners for over 60 years. Joan was active in many parish ministries. She was instrumental in the founding of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in 1993, and spent countless hours in her Lord’s company. In 1990, Joan was honored by Catholic Charities for her volunteer service, and in 2000, Pope John Paul II bestowed upon her the Papal Honor “Benemerenti” for her service and commitment to the Catholic Church. She always had a very special devotion to the Blessed Mother, who was her inspiration in raising her children. Her faith and her family were always at the center of her life, and she worked tirelessly in the service of others. Joan and Warren were devoted to each other for more than 62 years of marriage, and since his passing in 2018, she looked forward with joy to being reunited with him in Heaven.
Joan was an avid sports fan. She loved her Los Angeles Dodgers and Notre Dame football, and she attended countless sporting events for her children and grandchildren.
Joan is survived by her nine children, her sons- and daughters-in-law, 21 grandchildren and their families, including her first two great-grandchildren, due later this year, her brother, Bill, two sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joan’s life will be celebrated with a Rosary and Vigil Service on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 7:00 PM, followed by Mass on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Both services will be held at St. Dorothy Catholic Church, 241 S. Valley Center Ave., Glendora, CA 91741. A reception will follow the Mass in the adjacent Parish Center. The interment will be private.
In honor of Joan’s life of service, donations may be made in her name to a charity of your choice dedicated to the service of others.