Theresa M. Bowers, 87, of Oppenheim, New York, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, on Thursday morning, May 5, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 2, 1929 in the town of St. Johnsville, New York, a daughter of the late, Peter and Clara (Vincent) Lawyer. Theresa was educated at Van HornesvilleSchool, later known as the Owen D. Young Central School. She graduated with the Class of 1946.
On February 19, 1949, Theresa was united in marriage to Don W. Bowers at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fort Plain, New York. The couple shared a blessed union of 67 years this past year. In those years they raised their five children together.
Theresa was fondly known to many children as a cook for the cafeteria staff at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School. She maintained her employment for 26 years until her retirement in 1992. She was also a member of the Oppenheim United Methodist Church.
She enjoyed cooking, crossword puzzles, sewing, finishing furniture, canning and pickling. Theresa’s most precious time was that spent in the company of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with each and every one of them.
Theresa is survived by her beloved husband, Don W. Bowers at home; her loving children, Linda Duesler of Oppenheim, NY, Carol Paul and her husband, John of Oppenheim, NY, Patricia Luria and her husband, Jeffry of Carlisle, NY, John Bowers and his wife, Pamela of Oppenheim, NY, and Herbert Bowers and his wife, Linda of Oppenheim, NY; 13 special grandchildren; 21 cherished great-grandchildren; two sisters, Wilma Stowell and her husband, Charles of Oppenheim, NY and Marie Collins of Brisben, NY; a brother in law; four sisters in law; several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister Thelma Dingman, her brothers Fred and Robert Lawyer, her son in law John Duesler, three brothers in law and three sisters in law.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. with Pastor Jack Ford, officiating. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Oppenheim United Methodist Church, State Highway 29, Dolgeville, New York with Pastor Jack Ford, officiating. Burial will follow in Rural Park Cemetery, Ingham’s Mills, New York.
The Bowers Family would like to thank her special nieces, Beth Ryan, RN and Sue Crouse, RN who were her caregivers, Dr. Canary and her staff at Bassett Healthcare Oncology Department in Herkimer, NY and Mountain Valley Hospice for all their care for Theresa during her illness.
In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for the Oppenheim United Methodist Church, c/o Pastor Jack Ford, 13 W. State St., Dolgeville, NY 13329 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To leave a message of sympathy for the Bowers Family, please visitwww.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the guest book.
