Marilyn J. Bowman

Lansing, MI

Our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, age 97, passed away November 20, 2018. She was born June 13, 1921, in Lansing, to Frederick and Mildred Harke.

Marilyn graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and was a longtime active member of Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Taking care of her family and her religion were deeply important. She also volunteered for many years with Ingham Regional Medical Center.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staffs at Grand Haven Living Center and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care afforded their mother.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Bowman and Diane (Steve) Sawyers; 4 grandchildren, Brent (Jessica) Sawyers, Todd (Jen) Sawyers, Marc (Alicia) Sawyers, and Paul (Nicole) Sawyers; 7 great-grandchildren, Conner, Aubrey, Fiore, Estelle, Sophie, Oliver, and Penelope; special niece, Lynn Britton; and 3 nieces and 1 nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Richard A. Bowman, son Richard D. Bowman, and brothers Clarence and Eugene Harke.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1001 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Interment will take place in Deepdale Memorial Gardens. Her family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to her church. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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7 Messages to “Marilyn J. Bowman

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Jan (Halik) Buchanan
November 21, 2018 at 11:30 pm

Marilyn was a life long friend to my Mom Marian Halik.
The last time I saw your Mom was at my mother’s 90th Birthday Party 2011.
Mom was awaiting the birth of her 6th great grandson that year. She previously had 8 granddaughters & 3 great granddaughters.
Mom saw my first grandson in June 2011.
After all 6 boys were born and her party was over, she faded quickly and we lost her July 13, 2011. Still miss her dearly! So sorry for your pain, but 97 is quite an accomplishment!
Marilyn was always such a sweet person!

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Bill Harke
November 24, 2018 at 9:53 am

So many great childhood memories of my Uncle Dick and Aunt Marilyn. Especially the many Christmas Eves singing carol’s all gathered around the piano. Pat, Diane & Steve, thinking of you during this time. Your cousin, Bill Harke

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Judy L Harrison
November 24, 2018 at 11:47 am

Diane and family and Patti…….so sorry to hear about Aunt Marilyn. I enjoyed talking with her at the family reunion this year. She seemed good at that time. 97 years old…..wow! I would have never guessed that after talking with her. She will be missed for sure. But I know she is enjoying all the family in heaven now. Especially Uncle Dick and your brother and her in-laws. What a family the Bowman’s were. Won’t be able to come to the funeral but will be thinking and praying for you all. Hugs and love, cousin Judy

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Cindy Harke Dockey
November 25, 2018 at 6:12 pm

So many years growing up with Aunt Marilyn. From going to Gun Lake to many years of Christmas Eve singing Christmas Carols with our family the Harke’s and our beloved And not Marilyn and Uncle Dick with our cousins Rick, Pat and Diane. We kids would count down the top 100 hits, sing and play hide and seek in the basement. So many fun times with family and never one time did I see my Aunt Marilyn without a smile on her face and caring disposition. You will be missed Aunt Marilyn, thank you for so many fond memories.

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Pat Bowman
November 25, 2018 at 9:54 pm

Such kind words Cindy. We certainly did have great times. Wonderful memories indeed.

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Garry Bowman
November 26, 2018 at 1:08 pm

Pat, and Diane, I was so sorry to hear you have lost Aunt Marilyn from your lives. It is so wonderful that she lived such a long life and the great memories she has given you and the grandchildren to carry you through this rough time. I also have great memories of she and Uncle Dick, and the fun we had when they hosted the family at their home and of all of us getting together for the Bowman reunions. Her time here may now be over, but I’m sure she is at peace with Uncle Dick, and Cousin Rick. We will try to be there tomorrow, but are unsure if the weather will allow us to get there. Our best to you both and your family.
Garry & Mel Bowman

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Pat Bowman
November 28, 2018 at 1:36 am

Thank you Garry and Mel for the kind words. So many wonderful memories of the Bowman reunions shared with our aunts, uncles and cousins. Mom and dad looked forward to each and every one. So nice to hear from you.

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