Our beloved Norma Jean Bowser passed away in Johnstown, PA on Thursday, September 2nd at the age of 81. She was born on September 30, 1939, daughter of the late William and Helen Bowden.
She is a 1957 graduate of Johnstown High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joel.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Joel R. Bowser. They wed on December 27, 1959, and raised daughters – Bethann Gilson and Amy Jo Bowser; grandchildren – Ashleigh, Allyson, Cassidy, Charles, and Josiah; and great-grandchildren – Dean and River.
Preceded in death by in-laws, William and Doris Bowser; sister-in-law, Beverly, and husband, Terry Dunn; brothers-in-law William Dennis Bowser, Gary Bowser, and David Bowser. Survived by sister-in-law, Nancy, and husband, Glen Elliott; and brothers-in-law Charles, and wife Vivian Bowser; and Douglas, and wife Kathy Bowser; sisters-in-law Joan Bowser and Dolly Bowser; as well as her extended family and an abundance of friends. She will be missed more than words can say.
Norma was employed by Conemaugh Memorial Hospital for several years, and after the birth of her children, she also worked at Sears for a short time. When her husband and brother-in-law launched Bowser Homes, she worked for them as a Jane-of-all-trades (drafting contracts, handling payroll, acting as HR for the employees, and when needed, picking up supplies for their many job sites).
She was an active member of her community with a generous heart. She was a member of the Johnstown Chapter of Eastern Star. She served as mother advisor of the Johnstown Chapter of Rainbow Girls. Norma was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Most recently, she was a dedicated member of the Johnstown Quota Club. Later in her life, she enjoyed duckpin bowling and creating artwork with cross-stitch embroidery. She was a tenured member of the choir at Christ United Methodist Church, performing many solos over the years – most of her solos were performed at the church’s Christmas Eve and Easter services. She enjoyed playing both the piano and the organ, and she was a volunteer organist at the old Richland Mall.
Norma was an avid traveler, and she was always up for an adventure – near or far, she was up for anything, especially if her family and beloved dogs, Nitti and Maggie, were along for the ride. Her most memorable trips included attending many Olympic games around the world and seeing multiple Broadway shows in New York City. She brought joy and laughter to all those around her with her jokes and vivid storytelling, and she never let anyone leave her home emptyhanded. Her favorite places included the swing on her front porch and the chair at the head of the dinner table, where she taught those dining with her to always eat dessert first.
Anyone who knew Norma was profoundly touched by her kindness, humor, and cheerful temperament. She was truly a peacemaker and was always a source of positivity. Her laugh will be greatly missed.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 4:00 PM at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15905.
Flowers in Norma’s honor may be sent to Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15905.
Condolences may be sent through www.ducafuneralhome.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Norma Jean Bowser, please visit our floral store.