Theresa Ann Bowser

Theresa Ann Valasitis Bowser, 73, of Cromwell, CT passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2023 at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT. Born in Maspeth Queens, NY, she was the only child of Anthony Valasitis and Josephine Kempisty Valasitis. She was the step-daughter of Bronislavia "Blanche" Bartkus Olszewski, who survives her. She was predeceased by her husband, Dwight "Red" Bowser, whom she missed dearly.

Terry was formerly employed at Fafnir Bearing in New Britain, CT and later in the insurance industry. She most recently resided in Darlington, SC, before moving back to CT. She had raised her family in Newington, CT before relocating down South for work. She leaves many friends in Darlington and Newington.

Terry loved gardening, cooking and animals. Her favorite role in life was mother and grandmother. She was the proud mother and mother-in-law of two, now retired police officers. Terry fondly talked of the "old days" and growing-up in her Lithuanian and Polish-American household and neighborhood in Queens. In between her Southern accent, she was always a New York girl as would often be evident with a few words, that would pop into her sentences if she spoke fast when excited. More than anything, Terry enjoyed time with her grandchildren; family; and her neighbors and friends at Fox Glen in Cromwell, CT, where she last resided.

Besides her step-mother, she is survived by: her daughter, Wendy Ann Nesta, and son-in-law, Kevin Nesta, (Ret. HPD), of Berlin, CT; and her son, Allan Vincent Raynis, Jr., (Ret. NBPD), and daughter-in-law, Caroline Raynis, JD, of Wallingford, CT. She also leaves to mourn, her five grandchildren, who were her greatest treasures: Abigail Raynis, Nathan Raynis, Lila Mae Yerman, Lara Mae Raynis, and Allan Vincent Raynis III. She leaves step-sister, Diann Vilkelis Ferrara, whom she was very close to throughout her whole life, and considered a best friend, and her daughters, Dr. Melissa Taylor (James) and Alison Sabatino; and step-sister-in-law, Antonia Pomichowski Vilkelis, and her sons, Dr. John G. Vilkelis (Jennifer) and William Vilkelis (Britta Muehlbach); and Bowser family sister-in-laws, Robin Beaulieu (Daniel) and Graylyn Tomalczyk; and Bowser family brother-in-law, Bryan Bowser; and many extended family members. Her very dear friend, Patricia Hann and her beloved dog Niko also survive her.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by: her step-brother, John Vilkelis; her Bowser family sister-in-law, Ellen Rudolph (James); her Bowser family brother-in-laws, Clifton Walton, Joseph Walton (Carolina), William Walton (Kathleen), and Zane G. Bowser, Jr.; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Zane G. Boswer, Sr. and Winnifred Crocker Gray Bowser, whom she adored; and her former first husband, and the father of her children, Allan Vincent Raynis, Sr., (Ret. Sgt. NBPD), whom she remained friends with.

Terry was a very loving and kind person and will be sorely missed by the many, many people she befriended and regularly interacted with throughout her life. Per her wishes, she will be cremated. Arrangements are being taken care of by Rose Hill Funeral Home of Rocky Hill, CT. She did not want any services, but rather her memory to be honored by people living life to its fullest.

For online condolences, memories or photo tributes please visit our website www.rosehillfuneralhomect.com