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Judith J. Bowen
12/04/2023
Judith J. Bowen passed away at Advent Hospital in Deland, FL, on December 4, 2023. Judy was born in Trenton, NJ, on September 26, 1942, to Maurice W. James and Elizabeth Kramer James. She was the oldest of three children and grew up in a loving home where the following values were nurtured: love of family, love of God, and service to others.
Judy attended St. Francis Grammar School and graduated from Cathedral High School, class of 1960. In 1961, she made the decision to enter religious life, becoming a Sister of Mercy. She graduated from Georgian Court College with a bachelor’s degree in education, remaining in the order as a teacher until 1976. She then moved to Martin County, Florida, and pursued a career in banking, eventually becoming an internal auditor. She retired from Seacoast Bank (formerly Stuart First National Bank) in 2009 and moved to Deland, FL, to be closer to family.
In 1980, Judy married the love of her life, Neal J Bowen. They resided first in Palm City, FL, and then Port St. Lucie, FL. They were overjoyed at the arrival of their daughter, Shaylee. Prior to her arrival they were foster parents. Being a wife, mother and grandmother were Judy’s greatest joys.
Over the years, Judy volunteered for various charities in Stuart, FL, including those serving underprivileged children. After moving to Deland, she volunteered with AARP as a free service tax preparer.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Neal J. Bowen. She is survived by her daughter, Shaylee Bowen Baker (husband Chris Baker), grandsons Jordan and Christian Baker, and foster son Daniel L. Moore. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Mary James Lyons, brother Maurice W. James, Jr. (Rosemary James), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10 a.m. in St Peter Catholic Church, Deland Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G Komen Foundation for breast cancer at https://www.komen.org.