Carol Sowers Obituary

Carol Sowers

Phoenix - Carol Sowers, 75, was surrounded by family as she peacefully passed away on January 20, 2021, after a seven year fight against the cruelties of Alzheimers. She was born on October 31, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, to the late Sam and Ella Hatch and was the youngest of their three daughters. She grew up in north Phoenix and was in the first graduating class of Cortez High School in 1963. She continued her education at Northern Arizona University and graduated with a degree in journalism in 1967.

Carol was a tenacious journalist who began her career at the Casa Grande Dispatch and Mesa Tribune. Her career blossomed at the Arizona Republic where she spent over 30 years as an investigative reporter, columnist and editor. She was an award winning reporter known for her determination, wit with words, and kind heart.

Carol's life was full as a single mother of two (Dr. Andi Fourlis and the late Dr. John Sowers), a grandmother of five (Alexa, Athanasia and Anna Fourlis; and Boa and Krush Sowers), and mother-law to Ted Fourlis. She loved cheering them on in their academic pursuits, careers, volleyball and baseball games, cheer competitions, weightlifting meets and dance recitals. She instilled a love of adventure and travel that is carried on in their lives today.

Her commitment to physical fitness was shared with her dearest friends as they cycled and ran through North America, competed in triathlons, rowed, did yoga, hiked, participated in charity events, laughed and made memories together. All that had the honor of knowing Carol were blessed with her spunk, brilliance and know she made the world a more interesting place.

Carol's life will be celebrated on February 5, 2020, at 10:00am at Shadow Mountain Mortuary 2350 E Greenway Road. Due to COVID restrictions we regret that in person attendance is limited to those with invitations. Thankfully, the ceremony will be live streamed through facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShadowMountainMortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carol's beloved community at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (memo: Carol Sowers Festival Fundraiser) at 1973 E Maryland Phoenix, Az, 85016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 24 to Jan. 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Sowers

Sponsored by Shadow Mountain Mortuary.

11 Entries

Larry Popkin

February 5, 2021

RIP My Friend

Art Gissendaner

February 2, 2021

Energy personified. Always had an encouraging word and a smile. She made me feel welcome in the newsroom from Day 1. So happy to have known you, Carol. Peace.

Don Nicoson

February 2, 2021

Carol was smart, honest and a wonderful person. Her energy is legendary. Carol made the world better.

The Meris Family

February 1, 2021

Carol was clearly a woman ahead of her time. Brilliant, tenacious, a leader, a mentor. Her legacy is that of her family. An amazing daughter, son-in-law and grand daughters who were made better and stronger because of Carol. May her memory be eternal!

Dolores Tropiano

February 1, 2021

Carol was a wonderful person. She was full of energy and inspired me with her commitment to fitness. I remember Carol always had a smile on her face and a willingness to help people. Rest in peace Carol.

Laurie Roberts

January 31, 2021

Carol had many accomplishments in her life. She lived with joy, hope and, I hope, faith that a better world was to come. (I know, Carol, that you are with John again. If you were here, I’d say, I told you so!). Carol was a trailblazer at The Arizona Republic, working as a hard charging reporter (the woman did not have an off button) while raising two children on her own. But by far, her greatest accomplishment and her grandest pride were her children, Andi and John, and her five grandchildren.

I lost touch with Carol after her retirement and I greatly regret that. She was a mentor to me and a confidant and a friend. RIP. Carol. And well done.

Larry Rodgers

January 31, 2021

Carol was such a great colleague to work with at The Arizona Republic. She was always so upbeat and full of energy, and she loved to talk about her family. I envied her for her physical fitness regimen, which kept her in great shape. She will be missed by all her former coworkers.

kay J stout

January 30, 2021

I knew Carol in elementary and high school. She was a ray of sunshine to everyone. Her beautiful smile was just one of her gifts to all who knew her. With intelligence, a sense of humor and an amazing thirst for fun and physical activity she made her way through life and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Rest In Peace, Carol and Sincere Condolences to your family.

Pay Barrier

January 30, 2021

I will miss you my friend. Though it has been about 4 years since my visit you are never far from my thoughts. Many memories from grade school through high school. Love you. RIP

Warren & Carolyn Gress

Planted Trees

Warren & Carolyn Gress

January 27, 2021

Our condolences to the family. Carol was a wonderful person who will be long remembered. We had the opportunity to share a lot of bike rides and trips, as well as some ski trips with her. The reporter instinct was always present in Carol - she could ride up a ski lift with a stranger and know about the person by the time they got off. I do recall one time that she got so caught up in the conversation that she didn't prepare to get off and made the turnaround before they stopped the lift for her and helped her off. She always stood up for her beliefs, but was always open to understanding someone else's. She will be truly missed.

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