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.
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) Syracuse, NY; Mary (Douglas) Steward, Bokeelia, FL; Ann Marie (deceased); Thomas (Aileen) Rochester, NY; Margie (Dean) Bowman (Maui, HI); Teresa (Jerome) Pawlak, Albion, NY; Catherine (Robert) Traver, Fairport, NY; and Michael (Nancy), 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, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be at the Church of the Assumption in Fairport, NY on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 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.
Comments
18 responses to “Bowers, Elizabeth “Betty””
A vibrant, active resident with an attentive, loving family. Betty will be missed by both peers and staff of Fairport Baptist Homes. Her passing has left a great hole in our community. WE were blessed to have known her. May she rest in peace.
Thank you so much Diana! You & the staff are always so wonderful to be around. I will miss that & my time with my mom. I feel so fortunate that I was able to spend so much time with her & the staff & residents at the Fairport Baptist Homes.. thank you again. Cathy
Thank you Diana and to all the staff at FBH. We are saddened to see her depart us but gladdened that she is now in happiness at home in heaven, to where she was always destined.
I miss you already mom! But I know there is a bingo game going on somewhere and a buffet to follow with you seated next to God on your right and Dad on your left at the head table in heaven!
Cathy and Bob – We are so very sorry for your loss and really enjoyed Betty’s story and photos.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I wish I could be there to give you a hug in person! Love to all.
Love to you Aunt Jane!!!❤️❤️❤️
To the Bower family and to my friends Teresa and Jerome and family, Very sorry to hear about your Mother, She was such a sweet lady and I always enjoyed seeing her beautiful joyful smile. We are thinking about you and sending our love and prayers, God Bless,,,Laura and Larry Harvey
Bowers Family, I am so saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. Betty shared a lot stories with me and more than anything she was so very proud of her family. She was a remarkable lady and I am so glad I got to know her and help care for her in her family years. We bonded during COVID, and she helped me get through some very dark days. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You all have a wonderful Angel looking down on you.
Kelsey,
A beautiful tribute to my mom! You were very special to her & all of us as well,
Thank you! Cathy ❤️❤️❤️
Miss you Cathy! Hugs!!!
May the wonderful memories you have of your mother bring you comfort during these difficult times. My memories of Art and Betty go back to my childhood growing up in Albion. They were always friendly and went out of their way to make you feel special. They were pillars in St. Joseph’s church where we saw and usually talked with them every week. As a child I enjoyed going to the bank knowing that Mr. Bowers would give us a treat (usually a sucker). Betty was a role model for all of us on how to respect and treat others.
I have so many fond memories of my Aunt Betty. It is impossible to think of anything but warm, loving feelings for her. Over the many years, she always seemed to make you feel welcome no matter where you were with her. This wonderful feeling resonated throughout her whole extended family. We were all touched by her deeply. Her sister, my mother, was was quite saddened at loosing her, as are we all, but soon, rebounded in light of her no longer having any pain and being able to join God, Uncle Art and her other departed loved ones in heaven. She will always be with us.
Bill what a wonderful tribute to my mom & your Aunt Betty!!! Love & hugs to you all & Aunt Alice!!!❤️
Sharing out heartfelt condolences to the family at this difficult time. What a beautiful legacy Betty leaves through her many involvements with others and through her loving family. May God bless.
Cathy, Bob and the boys, I am so sad to hear of your Mom. It has been many years but I still fondly recall her sitting on the sidelines with you during Jordan and Danny’s soccer games. I loved the stories you told about her activities and how present she was in your life. Sending waves and waves of caring thoughts.
She was a very dear lady who was my mom’s roommate at FBH for 2 years. She was like a sister to my mom Cornelia Miller. I personally always took the time to say hello and admired her with accomplished puzzles. I always try to include her when I brought my mom food including (fresh fruit from my garden and pie at times.) She was like a dear aunt to me. I respected her strength and loved her personality. She reminded me so much like my Aunt who was very successful. My sympathy to the family who I meet. My heart goes out to you all at this time but just remember it’s not about down here, It’s about being with our Lord and Savior! I
What a perfect tribute for Betty. This was her to a T. She blessed everyone who knew her. Much love to all of your wonderful and loving family!