WILLIAMSBURG — Bernadette "Evelyn" Bowman of Williamsburg passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, in the loving care of her son, Alan. Evelyn was born Aug. 13, 1926, in L'Anse, the daughter of Andrew and Lurmina (Foucault) Gauthier.
Evelyn graduated from L'Anse High School in 1944 and soon moved to Pontiac, where she met Ralph. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in L'Anse. She and Ralph lived in the Pontiac area, and in 1988 they built a home in the Elk Rapids area, becoming full time residents in 1991.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids. Her greatest joy was having a close, loving and caring family.
Evelyn, one of the early woman managers for State Farm Insurance Co., enjoyed a 38 year career working in the claims division. She attended many advanced training courses in the insurance industry claims and was constantly striving to increase her knowledge and professionalism.
Evelyn is survived by two sons, Alan of Waterford and Geoff of Marquette; and a daughter-in-law, Nan of Kewadin; Alan's close friend, Diane Vasilko of Sterling Heights; her sister, Phyllis of L'Anse; brother, Andrew of L'Anse; sister, Ann Marie "Betty" of Tucson, Ariz.; special nieces, Joan and Jacquelyn Johnson; and many nieces, nephews and their children.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 55 years, Ralph Bowman, on March 11, 2000; her parents; three brothers, Richard, Donald and Francis; and her sister, Rita.
Visitation will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 143 Charles Street, Elk Rapids. A Vigil Service for the Deceased will be celebrated at 7 p.m. at the church. A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Robert J. Zuchowski presiding. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
