Ethel C. Bowman

Ethel C. Bowman nee Cenek, age 95 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at Faith Care Center in Highland, IL. She was born October 21, 1921, in Cicero, IL, the daughter of Stephen and Anna (nee Benes) Cenek. On June 21, 1947, she married Richard C. Bowman at Berwin, IL. He passed away on May 24, 1991. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church - Highland, IL. She was also a former member Weinheimer Senior Citizens; Women's Catholic Order of Foresters; Highland Women's Club. Ethel (Cenek) Bowman was born in Cicero, Illinois, near Chicago. She grew up in the neighboring suburb of Berwyn and attended Trinity High School in River Forest where she was named valedictorian of the class of 1938. She received a scholarship to Rosary College (now Dominican University) where she attended for a year before completing course work at DePaul University’s Commerce Department. Before her marriage to Richard Bowman in 1947, she worked in the accounting department of Scott, Foresman Publishers in downtown Chicago. After she was married, the couple resided in Oak Park, IL, where they raised four children before moving to Berkeley, IL, in 1973. Following Richard’s death in 1991, Ethel relocated to Highland, IL, in 1995.Ethel was a creative and curious soul who enjoyed learning new things and traveling to new places. Her hobbies included crafts, sewing, baking, reading and watching her beloved Chicago Cubs baseball team. When the family was young, they spent many summers on the shores of Lake Michigan in the town of Menominee, but, in later years, Ethel traveled more extensively to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Aside from her family, she felt her greatest achievement was learning to drive at age 69. Survivors include : Daughter - Judith M. Bowman, Evanston, IL Daughter - Ann L. Schuster, Overland Park, KS Son - Richard S. (Clare) Bowman, Phoenix, AZ Son - Robert E. (Susan) Bowman, Highland, IL Sister - Blanche Vedral, Berwyn, IL Brother - Deacon Stephen Cenek, Peoria, IL Grandchild - Marissa K. Bowman, Highland, IL Grandchild - Tyrus "Ty" R. (fiancee-Shama Thathi) Bowman, Dallas, TX Grandchild - Alex R Bowman, Appleton, WI Grandchild - Hollie A. Bowman, Phoenix, AZ Grandchild - Ryan E. (fiancee-Mariah Root) Bowman, Las Vegas, NV Grandchild - Casey J. Bowman, Phoenix, AZ Great Grandchild - Melia K. Bowman, Highland, IL She was preceded in death by : Father - Stephen James Cenek Mother - Anna Josephine Cenek (nee Benes) Husband - Richard C. Bowman - Died 5/24/1991 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, June 04, 2017, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on Monday, June 05, 2017, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 05, 2017, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL., with Rev. Father Pat G. Jakel officiating. Committal services will begin at 1:00PM with interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL on June 6, 2017. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Countryside Homes or Highland Area Community Foundation.

Ethel C. Bowman

October 21, 1921 - May 31, 2017