Obituary of Barbara H. Bowne

Barbara (Bobbie) Hall Bowne Barbara (Bobbie) Helen Hall Bowne, 91, passed away at home June 9, 2014, one day shy of her 92nd birthday. Bobbie was predeceased by Jerry, her loving and devoted husband of 67 years. She is survived by three sisters: Martha Packer, Philadelphia, PA; Sue Van Kersen, Palm Harbor, FL; and Ellie Freese, Santa Barbara, CA; her four children: Douglas (Catherine), Little Falls, NY; Kaima (Edmond), Franklin, NY; Heidi (John), Binghamton, NY; and Marcia, Oneonta, NY; grandchildren: Heather Hrobsky (Martin), Toronto, ON; Anna Bowne (Dennis), Rochester, NY; Cameron Bowne, Oneonta, NY; Bruno Roberts and Rogerio Roberts, Binghamton, NY; step granddaughters Melissa Couch and Sarah Presto, Binghamton, NY; and three great grandchildren: Peter and Lenka Hrobsky and Isaac Canary. Bobbie was born June 10, 1922 in Elizabeth, NJ, the second daughter of Melville and Marguerite Hall. She grew up in Walden, NY. In 1944, Bobbie graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Home Economics. Active in the Cornell Outing Club, she met Jerry Bowne while skiing. They married in 1945 and moved to Delaware County, NY, in 1947. Bobbie taught Home Economics until she and Jerry started a family. She was involved with her children's education, social activities, and numerous community organizations, including First Congregational Church, 4-H, Girl Scouts, National Ski Patrol, The Hospital Guild, League of Women Voters, and the Tri Town Parkinson Support group. Among her contributions to these organizations was her ability to plan, organize and coordinate events with efficient grace. Bobbie was an avid adventurer and traveler who believed these activities are a valuable way to expand one's understanding of other cultures and environments. She encouraged family and friends to explore the world. Bobbie and Jerry hosted four Rotary Exchange Students. Bobbie was a naturalist, knowledgeable about regional plants and wildlife. She pursued this interest through art, capturing nature in oil and watercolor paintings, fiber, and most recently in handmade paper. As a homemaker, she created a welcoming home and hosted fun-filled gatherings always accompanied by delicious food, innovative activities and stimulating conversations. Bobbie had a humble wisdom and an endless curiosity about life. She was a life-long learner who lived generously, intelligently and faithfully, giving life rich purpose and meaning. She will be missed by her family and cherished friends. Over the past two years Bobbie regularly expressed heartfelt appreciation for the care she received. Her gratitude extended to the many — healthcare providers, hospice staff, dedicated homecare givers, church friends and neighbors — who all made it possible for Bobbie to live at home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational Church of Sidney, or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Calling hours for Bobbie will be held Sunday June 29 from 4:00–6:00 pm at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church, Sidney, Monday June 30 at 1:00 pm. A reception in the Church Social Hall will follow. Interment will be Monday, June 30 at 11:00 am at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney NY. Condolences can be made at www.landersfh.com or mailed to C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney, NY 13838. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.