Mary Bower, 96, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 at The Pavilion of Ottawa with her family by her side.
Visitation will be Monday, June 10, from 9:30 am until 11:30 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. A rosary will be said at 9:15am prior to the visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 pm, on Monday, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
Mary was born January 23, 1928, in Ottawa, IL, to George and Mary (Green) Jobst. She married William Bower on May 15, 1955 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. He passed away, September 18, 2010.
Prior to having children, Mary worked as a secretary for Libby Owens. Once she had children, her primary focus was raising her family. That stuck with her through life, as she loved to be with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. After they were grown up, she worked for Ottawa Pavilion. She enjoyed doing needle work, playing bridge and Mahjong, and was an avid reader. She was a sports fan and spent many nights cheering for the Cubs and the Fighting Illini Basketball team. She also loved going to Ft. Meyers Beach and searching for sea shells. She was a great cook and some of the best memories were made as she hosted holidays and family gatherings. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and St. Francis Church.
She is survived by her children, Stephen (Cindy) Bower, Laurie (Paul) McConville, Julianne (Chris) Van Saders, and Lisa (Ken) Hansen; her grandchildren, Traci Bauer, Marissa Bower, Leah Johnson, Mark DeFore, Erin Kinkin, Drew McConville, Christopher, Madeline, and Carolyn Van Saders, and Kenneth, Matthew, Mary Kate, and Jack Hansen; and her great grandchildren, Shailee, Brock, Callee, and Lizzee Bauer, Colton, Grason, and Maddyn Johnson, Jack and Oliver Kinkin, Carver and Sailer McConville, and Oshean Rama.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary; her husband of 55 years, William Bower; and her siblings, Sophia, Ralph, and Don Jobst.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com