Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Happ) Bowers
FAIRPORT – Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Thoughtfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control. Those fruits of the Holy Spirit best encompass the Catholic life of Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Happ) Bowers.
A loving wife, mother of eight children, 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, joined everlasting life and happiness, Thursday, March 25. She was born in Batavia, NY on January 24, 1924, the daughter of Leo and Clara Happ. Betty received a degree as a Dental Hygienist from the Eastman Dental Dispensary in Rochester, NY.
In April 1947, she married Arthur Bowers, also of Batavia, who predeceased her in 2001. The couple moved to Albion, NY and began a loving life together centered on a strong, well-connected family. It includes: James (Maureen) of Syracuse, NY; Mary (Douglas) Steward of Bokeelia, FL; Ann Marie (deceased); Thomas (Aileen) of Rochester, NY; Margie (Dean) Bowman of Maui, HI; Teresa (Jerome) Pawlak of Albion, NY; Catherine (Robert) Traver of Fairport, NY; and Michael (Nancy) of Hudson, WI.
Betty was a wonderful, dedicated, caring mom who loved, taught and nurtured her children throughout their early years, while managing the demands of a large household. She loved to travel and was instrumental in the planning and preparations for transporting a carload of kids on long trips across the US. She visited almost every state in her lifetime.
Betty was completely dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, actively participating in all aspects of their lives. Her favorite phrase: “I am so blest.”
Giving up her career as a Dental Hygienist early on to raise her family, Betty was always an active volunteer at her children’s schools and at her church. While in Albion, she was also employed as a newspaper route supervisor for the Rochester Times Union, even recruiting her children time and again to assist with paper routes.
Even when Art and Betty moved to Fairport in 1997, Betty continued her volunteering, most recently at the Fairport Baptist Homes in the gift shop. Betty did not enjoy driving so she took any opportunity to walk. She loved her daily walks. Everyone always remarked how they would see her out and about and could not catch up with her.
She enjoyed socializing, whether in person or on the telephone. Old movies, reading, bingo, cards, board games, cross word and jigsaw puzzles were her favorites, and she loved to win. She was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, Syracuse Orange, and above all, the New York Yankees. She had a delightful, welcoming presence that would light up a room, bringing joy to all who knew her. Prayer was especially important in her daily life. She rarely missed a day without saying the Rosary.
In addition to her parents, husband and infant daughter, Betty was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Mary Rogers, and nieces Sandy Bowers Reed and Marcy Rogers Stamey. In addition to her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she is also survived by a sister, Alice Moulton, of Fort Pierce, FL; sister-in-law, Jane Bowers of Baltimore, MD; and many loving nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank the Fairport Baptist Homes for the wonderful and loving care that they gave to our mom for the past four years, especially her 2G family.
The Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, Fairport, NY has been entrusted with arrangements. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be at the Church of the Assumption in Fairport, NY on Wednesday, March 31, at 11:15 am. Internment at St. Joseph Cemetery in Albion, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Fairport Baptist Homes, the Mercy Fund at the Church of the Assumption or Saint Joseph’s School in Batavia, NY.
