Marilyn Rose Bowen

March 21, 1927 — Jan. 22, 2012

Marilyn Bowen, wife, mother, grandmother and poet, died on Jan. 22, 2012. She is survived by her loving and grateful family: her husband of 63 years and best friend, James Bowen; daughter, Trina Bowen (Steve Forrest); son, Todd Bowen; and beloved grandsons, Galen and Aidan Forrest. She is also survived by many dear friends and relatives.

Marilyn was born in the small town of Argos, Ind., on March 21, 1927, to Vera and William Rowland. She adored her older sister Rae Ann, especially their shared sense of humor. Theirs was a close family of modest means.

After graduating as valedictorian from high school at 17, on the urging of a cousin Marilyn left Argos on her own and headed to California. She worked and saved money for college, ultimately attending Sacramento City College. There she met her future husband Jim; they married in 1949. Marilyn worked to put Jim through college as he pursued electrical and then aerospace engineering. After other secretarial jobs she worked for the Federal Bureau of Reclamation for 20 years, with a 10-year break for raising children. They (literally) made their home in Fair Oaks (Sacramento County), residing there until retiring to El Dorado County in 1983.

There has not been a more steadfast, loving mother. Marilyn supported creative and academic pursuits, outdoor activities, and served as a Cub Scout den mother. She nurtured a sense of humor in her children. She was a good sport about a vast array of pets. Family vacations included car camping and backpacking trips and she especially enjoyed visits to the ocean at Dillon Beach.

In retirement, Marilyn and Jim enjoyed travel and ongoing learning. They attended more than 30 Elderhostel programs. In a dozen trips to the John C. Campbell Folk School, Marilyn pursued her interest in writing, especially memoir and poetry. They enjoyed many trips with good friends to destinations including New England, Great Britain, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Nova Scotia.

Words were important to Marilyn. She took great pleasure in belonging to four book clubs and treasured those friendships. She did crossword puzzles daily and was a formidable Scrabble player. She wrote memoirs, stories for her grandsons and especially enjoyed writing haiku. She did not embrace modern technology, preferring to send letters that were handwritten or typed on her IBM Selectric.

Marilyn had a strong connection to the natural world. She was a birdwatcher and observer of the seasons and her surroundings. She belonged to the Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation. When relocating in 1983 she and Jim chose a spot in the hills where they could live amongst the trees, birds, squirrels and the occasional bear, mountain lion or bobcat. They spent many happy hours at the creek.

Marilyn loved art, handcrafts and antiques. She studied Ikebana. She played tennis as long as she was able and watched Wimbledon matches on TV. She made some amazing Halloween costumes. She had diverse taste in music, from Ray Charles to Pavarotti, Dixieland and of course Elvis. She loved lilacs, bluebirds, rabbits, Indiana strawberries and See's candy. She was very principled, and at times stubborn. She delighted in a witty comment or clever cartoon. She was a very proud Grandma. She and Jim had an extraordinary marriage — one of unwavering affection, support and interest in each other.

She will be greatly missed by all who have loved her. Per her wishes, no services are planned.