Elizabeth McElwee Bower, 84

November 20, 2018

The Lord took Elizabeth “Betty” McElwee Bower home to glory on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. She just had her 84th birthday on November 3rd.
She was the wife of H. David “Dave” Bower, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage this past July 30th. Born in Drexel Hill, PA to Irish parents, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah Stewart McElwee.
Betty earned her Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester State College and her Masters from Boston University. Upon graduation she became an elementary school teacher. When her children were born, her teaching turned toward nursery and preschool programs at the Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church in Maryland, where she was known for her encouraging notes and letters to children and their families. This would be the pattern for the rest of her life.
The family then moved to Yorkshire, England for three years in the mid-1970s. Upon returning to the states, she became involved at Chapelgate Presbyterian Church. The family moved again for 3 years to Stuttgart, Germany before returning to Lancaster where she would be for the rest of her life. She was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she served as a deaconess and in the nursery.
Her personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ permeated her life in all areas: sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, encourager, and servant. To God be the glory!
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Paul D. married to Sheila Bower of Glendale, AZ, Mark D. Bower of Surprise, AZ and Lois J. Bower of East Petersburg; her 4 grandchildren Michael, Stephen, Sarah, and Naomi; her 2 great grandchildren Abigail and Daniel, and by her brother A. Joseph married to Ruth McElwee of Alden, PA.
Friends will be received on Monday, November 26, 2018 from 9:45-11AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11AM. Interment will be at 9AM in the adjoining church cemetery. To send an online condolence, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster PA 17601 or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive PO Box 4125, Lancaster PA 17604.