Claudia A. Bowers 1954-2023

My BFF.

“Never forgotten. Life is not forever but LOVE is”

I’m devastated. The love of my life lost her four-year battle with kidney cancer May 14 at home, peacefully, surrounded by Adam, Eric, Sarah, Cheryl and me. She had been in Hospice Care for 17 days. The cause of death is metastatic renal cell carcinoma (Stage IV kidney cancer). The cancer was discovered in 2019 and she had her left kidney and a tumor removed. Two annual CT scans were clear. The one in August 2022 showed that the cancer had spread to her lung. Despite taking the newest advanced kidney cancer oral meds and infusions, the cancer spread to other parts of her body. Like my Dad, she fought a good fight. Her friends and family are trying to cope with this huge loss. I could type pages and pages about the fun times we had together and the two fantastic sons we have. We held a Celebration of Life for Claudia June 17th at the Lee Chapel (Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services) in Norton Shores, Michigan. There is is a video of the Celebration of Life on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/838096432/bc2fdb072b?share=copy) and also one on YouTube. Search Claudia A. Bowers Memorial Service June 17, 2023.

I’ve known Claudia for 49 years starting in1974. I’ve lived with her for 45 years (1978). Since I retired in 2017, I’ve been with her 24/7 for five years. I love her a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. It’s all her fault that we originally got together. If she wasn’t so darn cute, I wouldn’t have tried to get her name. See BFF blog for details on how we met.

A butterfly garden in memory of Claudia will be built at the Charles L. Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills starting the summer of 2024. The garden was funded by her family and friends. A memorial bench in her memory will be next to the garden. We don’t know when the garden will be completed at this time…stay tuned!

Obituary for Claudia A. Bowers

Claudia A. Bowers, age 68, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 14, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 30, 1954, to Franklin and Gladys (Ostermann) Bogard in Mt. Clemens, MI. She grew up in Allen Park attending River Oaks Elementary, Riley Elementary, South Middle School, and Allen Park High School, graduating in 1972. She attended Central Michigan University and Oakland Community College where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 1983.

Claudia had a passion for helping others and dedicated 25+ years at numerous hospitals and schools working as a registered nurse (RN). She started her nursing career at Pontiac General Hospital then moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac in 1987. She worked at the Visiting Nurse Association and was the SCAMP Nurse in the summers of 1995-2005, a camp for special education students. She worked at Fox Hills Preschool as a Child Care Teacher; a kindergarten teacher’s aide at Eastover Elementary School; and a Teaching Assistant at Kensington Academy. She worked as the School Nurse at Detroit Country Day Junior School from 2004-2010, dealing with “crashes and rashes”. She was a Farm Guide at the Charles L. Bowers School Farm. She also worked as a Care Aide at Fox Hills Preschool. She did volunteer work with the Western Oakland County Meals on Wheels.

On August 11, 1978, Claudia married the love of her life, Pete Bowers, in Dearborn, MI. They spent 49 years together (45 married), enjoying a life well lived: viewing many Lake Michigan sunsets on the beach, exploring state parks, reading good books, and of course savvy shopping.

She was blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed spending time tending her flowers. Claudia was an animal lover, whether it was dogs, cats, or birds: you name it, she loved them all! She was also known for her famous holiday feasts and festive decorations. She had an eye for beautiful things, and made spaces and events special wherever she went. Claudia was also a social woman, blessed with the gift of gab, easily making and nurturing life-long friendships. She provided compassionate care for her mother over the course of many years, and was always willing to support anyone in need. Her vivacious and fun-loving spirit will be missed by the many who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Pete Bowers; sons, Adam (Sarah Bogue) Bowers and Eric (Cheryl Walton) Bowers; two brothers, Mark (Anne) Bogard and Jason (Laura) Bogard; niece, Kara Bogard (Fa and Belle); two nephews, Cameron Bogard and Jordan Bogard; brother- in-law, Jim Bowers; as well as extended family members and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Service, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with visitation one-hour prior. You can watch the livestream of the Celebration of Life here: [https://youtube.com/live/NVQ-zeyzDU8?feature=share] . Memorial Contributions in her honor can be directed to Charles L. Bowers School Farm or the Harbor Humane Society. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.

Claudia A. Bowers Celebration of Life, Lee Chapel, Norton Shores MI, June 17, 2023.

https://vimeo.com/838096432/bc2fdb072b?share=copy

Order of Service.

Poem in the Celebration program.

Perhaps Love and Evergreen lyrics.

For You lyrics.

In My Life lyrics.

Pete and Claudia playlist.

Seeds available at service in memory of Claudia.