Patricia A Bower

Patricia A. Bower December 15, 1923 – October 10, 2024 Born as Patricia Arlene Jacqueline Terry, but known to us all as Pat, was bornin Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Harold Terry and Elora Ellen Hutchings. From a young age, Pat's life was shaped by resilience and family. During the Great Depression, Pat’s mother, Elora, brought Pat to California where she lived for a time with her Aunt Dolly, Elora’s sister, while her mother worked to build a new home for them. At 13, Pat and her mother moved to San Francisco, eventually settling in San Anselmo. Even as a young girl, Pat was bright and curious, which led her to UC Berkeley, where she studied for a few semesters before choosing a different path: marriage and family. Pat married Chet Bower, and together they built a life rooted in love, creativity, and hard work. Early in their marriage, Pat worked in the shipyards, a reflection of her strength and determination. Later, she devoted herself to raising their family and supporting Chet. They had two sons, Terry Craig Bower of Fair Oaks, CA and Robert Scott Bower of Fort Bragg. With her keen eye for detail and color and Chet’s brawn, they transformed their house into a warm and beautiful home. Pat’s love for learning never faded. In her later years, she pursued art classes and studied psychology at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. Her passion for understanding the human spirit led her to study astrology under Walen Welch. She combined these insights to better understand herself and support those around her. Many found comfort in her thoughtful listening, gentle guidance, and the stories she loved to share. She adored her dogs, birds, books, art, and the handmade treasures which she collected from craft fairs in the '60s and '70s. These cherished items surrounded her home, each one carrying a story and bringing her daily joy. Pat had an extraordinary memory and a sharp mind, qualities she held onto even in her later years. She loved deeply—her children, her grandchildren, her friends—and she made each person in her life feel seen and heard. In August 2018, a fall changed the course of her life, but she worked hard to return home. Throughout her recovery and the years that followed, Pat was supported by a circle of love and care. The family was blessed to have Kalo and her team of compassionate caregivers by her side, along with the unwavering support of her niece Terry Kathleen Keate and Todd, Sue Darling and Brent, Terry Bower and Carol, and many others who called, visited, and sent heartfelt cards. While we couldn’t change her circumstances, all these acts of love made a difference in her journey. Pat's wisdom, her optimism, and her sense of humor will be deeply missed. But we are so grateful—for her long life of nearly 101 years, her love, and the memories we carry. Her presence was a gift, and her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled. She will be missed, and she will be remembered, always.

Tributes

Patricia A Bower

December 15, 1923 - October 10, 2024