Obituary of Trudy Bowen

June 7, 1929 - Del Rey, California, USA

September 4, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

We are saddened to announce the death of Trudy Bowen on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Trudy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Born in Del Rey, California, in June of 1929, she attended a tiny rural school where she graduated alongside eight classmates. She attained her education degree at Fresno State and was a much-loved teacher for many years.

Trudy married Edwin Bowen in June of 1951. They joyfully celebrated their 73rd anniversary this year. In 1955 they moved to Czar, AB, and went on to live in various small communities where she played organs, served endless cups of coffee with dainties, taught Sunday School, sewed closets worth of clothing, nurtured her children and all their friends, and supported Ed in his ministry in countless ways.  During this time and throughout her whole life, her home and dinner table were always ready to expand to include people who needed to be fed and loved. Her children teased her mercilessly about the canned ham and boxed snacking cake she kept for unexpected company.

Among her many volunteer activities, a time that stands out is her nine years of service as a dedicated literacy tutor for inmates at the Drumheller Penitentiary.

In 1994, she and Eddie moved to Calgary. Since then, she has enjoyed visiting far-flung family, traveling the world, spending time with friends, and continuing her involvement with her church, always with her beloved husband at her side. What brought her the most joy though, was her entire family gathering together, where laughter, good food, noisy grandchildren, and so much love surrounded her.

Her legacy will live on through her husband Ed, children, Julie (Dario), Colleen (Craig), Steven (Susan), and Andrea (Michael); grandchildren, Marina, Sarah, Claire, Kai, Petra, Kim, April, Benton, Chloe, and Mei; and her recently arrived and much-loved great-granddaughter Maggie.

A Celebration of Trudy's Life will be held at Advent Lutheran Church (11 Scenic Acres Gate NW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Bowen’s service streamed live on the day of the service from the church website at https://www.adventlutheran.ca/. Once on the main page, scroll down and click on the “Join Us Sundays” button to view the livestream.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, 400-185 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J1, Telephone: 204-694-5602, www.clwr.org. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gertrude’s family here.