MELANIE SUE BOWERS
11/15/48-2/5/13
Melanie Sue "Susie" Bowers grew up in Lodi but lived in Merced for many years, passed away on February 5th in Merced of lung cancer at the age of 64.
Susie was known as a vivacious force of nature by friends and family in the Merced, Lodi and Alpine Counties. "A lot of people knew her as the co-owner of Herb's Meats & Deli on Yosemite Parkway, but I think she was more famous for the Christmas light display she put up every year," said her twin sister, Marilyn Lewis of Jackson. "Even if people didn't know her personally, they knew the light display on Tahoe Drive in Merced would be worth visiting. Tour buses even drove by."
She was the store manager for Degnan's Grocery in Yosemite Valley for several years before coming to Merced, and always loved the Sierra. She spent summers at the family cabin at Blue Lakes in Alpine County, and was active in politics and serviced clubs in both Alpine and Merced Counties. The cabin was a popular spot for entertaining, if Susie wasn't out fishing.
"If Susie wasn't at Blue Lake in the summer, then she and her husband Larry were out on the Gold Wing," said her other sister, Coralie Coleman of Stockton. "She'd write up travel journals that included a road kill count for each day."
In Lodi schools, twin sisters Susie and Marilyn often pretended to be the other, and eventually were separated in most classes. They continued to play elaborate practical jokes on each other throughout adulthood.
"Susie was uncanny about remembering birthdays and other special occasions in people's lives," Marilyn said. "It made her happy to make other people feel special."
She was preceded in death by former husband, Herb Mercer; son, Bryant Mercer; and stepson, Bruce Bowers.
Susie is survived by her husband of 23 years, Lawrence (Larry) Bowers of Merced; sisters, Marilyn Lewis and Coralie Coleman; 4 stepchildren, Julie Mercer Garcia and Amy Mercer Cook both of Atwater, Cyndi Cates of Cameron Park, and Scott Bowers of Puyallop, WA; 5 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; a niece; and a nephew.
A remembrance of her life will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 2:00pm at the Elk's Lodge, 1910 M St., Merced, CA with a second remembrance scheduled August 10th at 12:00pm at the families Blue Lakes cabin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyress Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.
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What a wonderful light she was. We will all miss her great smile and the warmth that came from her.
Ardith Perea-Apling
February 26, 2013
Susie was the most giving person we have ever known. We loved her dearly and are sad for her sisters and Larry and all her family. What a terrible loss for all of us who loved her.
Dorothy and Joe Large
February 23, 2013
Dear Larry, Marlilyn & Cory...we have so many loving memories of Susie & all three of you. Our hearts break for each of you at this difficult time. We can't be there tomorrow in person, but will be there in spirit. We know it will be a fabulous celebration of her life and ALL she meant to sooo many. God bless each of you & sending lots of love from Florida. XXXOOO
February 22, 2013
We will miss Suzie's energy, enthusiasm, willingness to help others. We always looked forward to visiting in Blue Lakes. Her contributions to EMS (Emergency Medical Services) through the years proved invaluable to all those she came in contact with. She will surely be remembered, and we will miss her greatly.
Lynn & Jan Doyal
February 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the grieving family, especially the sisters, who I have known and loved for so many years. I will keep Melanie in my prayers.
Carla Edwards
February 22, 2013
Susie will be missed. She was an original renaissance woman. She always had a smile and quick humor for a laugh. She was the Easter Bunny to certain neighborhood children for many a year. To her families, my condolences and prayers for your comfort and peace.
Becky Ponce
February 21, 2013
Marilyn and Cory, our deepest sympathy and condolences. May your happiest memories ease some of the pain of your loss.
Dib and Dean Brown
February 20, 2013
Marilyn and Coralee, we are so very sorry for loss. Both of you and Suzi's whole family will be forever in our thoughts and prayers.
February 20, 2013
So very sorry for your great loss. Thank God that you have such wonderful memories of her vivacious life force!
Krista Clem-O'Sullivan
February 20, 2013
Rest in peace Dear Friend. We will all miss you at Blue Lakes. Dan and Gigi
Gisele Cangelosi
February 19, 2013
So sad to hear that Melanie passed. Marilyn must be really upset. I spent many summer days with the twins, getting in trouble during our teenage days. I will try to make it to Merced
Cindy Rippey Dangles
February 19, 2013
I have many fond memories of Spurgin/Smith camping trips. No one could tell those girls apart and they loved to keep you guessing. Please know how sorry we are for your loss. Thinking of you all, especially Coralee and Marilyn. Karen Sowers and Virda Spurgin
February 16, 2013
Marilyn and Coralie, we are so sorry for your loss. The Smith family were very good friends of ours, Wes being dad's best friend. Tim was a good friend of hers and now they are somewhere together, laughing. The Spurgin family sends their deep condolences to you at this hard time.
Love, Virda, Karen and Lynn Spurgin
February 16, 2013
The world was a brighter place with Susie in it! She will be missed.
The Malone Family
February 16, 2013
It saddens me to hear of Susie passing. I enjoyed the times that I was able to spend with her while working with Larry. She was a great chef, and Christmas was always beautiful around their home. My deep and sincere condolences to all the family.
February 16, 2013
Oh my heart aches for you Marilyn and all of Melanie's family. You are in my prayers. Love in Christ-Emily
Emily Roth-Humphries
February 15, 2013
Melanie Sue, we will all miss you more than you could ever imagine, because you never thought of yourself, only others. We will forever miss your energy for life and fun.Find peace dear Susi.
Jerry and Lynne Smith
February 13, 2013
Blue Lakes will never be the same without Melanie being there.
Norman Parkin
February 12, 2013
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