Marilyn Frances Bowe

Marilyn Frances Bowe August 20, 1935 - April 28, 2007 Age 71, "Muggs" to all and the love of many, especially her husband, James Bowe. Resident of Pleasanton, CA. Muggs was born at home in the Mission district in San Francisco to John and Alice Haley (deceased). She was the daughter everyone wishes for, full of love for her parents and siblings and a fine student. After attending St. Peter's Elementary and becoming student body president at Presentation High School, she commuted to the College of Notre Dame (now Notre Dame University), Belmont. She will be remembered as devoted sister of Thomas Haley of Concord, and the late Irene Wells, Lakeport, and the late Jack Haley, Daly City. Also remembered as loving niece of Lincoln Mers, Rossmoor, oh so proud mother of Colleen (and Tom) Davalos, Sunnyvale; Daniel Bowe, Palm Springs; Celeste (and Joe) Earnshaw, Placerville; Matthew (and Annette) Bowe, Highlands Ranch, CO. She shall forever be proudest grandmother of Devin and Sean Diaz; Joseph and Kaleigh Earnshaw; Christian and Lauren Bowe. And her love will continue to touch numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, each of whom she cared for deeply. From her husband: "Muggs was my hero, best friend, lover, Devil's advocate (thank God!), frank realist, beautiful lady, partner through thick and thin, sweet baboo, and wife of 51 years. We met and fell in love in 1954 while representing the Bay Area at a college conference in Chicago. After our wedding in Daly City, she was an army wife for two years in Baltimore and Washington, DC., and then we returned to California. Up and down the coast, raising four beautiful children, the family was blessed by her loving, caring nature. She did everything: taught at and then directed the children's Sunday religious program; led fund-raisers; band-boosted; cheered from every side-line. She was behind us and there for us in every crisis and achievement. We couldn't have done it without her." Muggs had a wonderful love of gardening and all things Irish. She affectionately referred to her four children as her "Four Green Fields" (a reference to a favorite Clancy Brothers song). Everything in the garden grew and flourished under her green thumb. She was our "Laura Burbank," kindred soul to Luther Burbank. Muggs... the nickname bestowed somehow by her dad.... made sure that everyone felt welcome when they came to her door. Her cooking was gourmet, and a place to stay was always available at her home even when she was very sick. She always thought of others before herself. Her passion for entertaining and hosting celebrations was second only to her love of decorating for all to enjoy at the holidays. At Halloween, despite her illness, she still made a point of personally greeting each of the 200 or more costumed children coming to her door. She always remembered her grandchildren, family, and friends with cards and greetings at holidays, birthdays, graduations, good times and tough times. You knew she was there for you. Starting with a bout with a rare disease in 1983, Marilyn's health started a gradual but persistent decline. A medical textbook could probably be written about the lung problems she endured. Each breath was incredibly difficult, due to COPD and complicated by uncontrollable infections, breast cancer, a heart attack, a stroke and finally liver cancer. While some would consider her ability to live to almost 72 a miracle of stamina, the true testimony of her strength was the constant giving in the midst of her suffering. Rare was the complaint she uttered, even until the very end. If you called, she always wanted to know how you felt and were doing. She was as fine a human being as you ever met. Muggs, Mom, Sam, Grandma, Sis, Auntie Em, My love - we love you and miss you. You are now the wind beneath our wings. The family would appreciate remembrances in the name of Marilyn Bowe, in care of The Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley, Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton, CA 94566. A celebration of Marilyn's life and memorial service will be held on July 1st. Each and everyone who knew her will be welcome. The family also invites those who knew her to post comments and memories at the following memorial website: http://muggs.vox.com. Details regarding the memorial will be available from the same location.