Obituaries
Joanne M. Bowling, 73
January 30, 2020
Joanne M. Bowling, 73 of Lancaster, passed away on January 30, 2020 at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy, PA. She was the wife of the late Richard N. Bowling Sr, who passed in May 2015. Daughter of the late Theodore and Brigida (Caradonna) Varrone, “Teddy and Betty”.
Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised on Long Island, Joanne was the middle child of three. She was a strong and resilient woman who held fast to her convictions and always shared how she felt. In June of 1992 she and her family relocated to Lancaster. She was the typical Italian mother and grandmother making sure you were greeted and you departed with a “Kiss and Hug”. She enjoyed hosting her family, friends and grandchildren over for meals, holidays, her monthly card games or just a cup of coffee and cake. She loved lottery and Bingo and luck was always on her side. “Jo” was an incredible cook and made the best sauce and pasta dishes. Her tradition of making cookies with her grandchildren will be missed greatly. A crafting extraordinaire, everyone would leave her home with a full stomach, an assortment of hand knit slippers, blankets or a one of a kind craft but mostly with a happy heart. She donated her time and sewing skill to “Gain” also working with Visiting Angels as a caregiver until about a year ago. She loved her family and all her animals throughout the years. Especially her beloved companion, Trouble the cat.
Joanne is survived by her children; a son, Richard “Rick” N. Bowling Jr and his wife Tracy of Willow Street, and a daughter, Brigid A. (Bowling) Severein and her husband Erik of Lancaster. She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Shannon Leinweber, Anthony Bowling, Nicolas Bowling, Matthew Bowling, Hannah Severein, Madeline Severein, Lexie Bowling, Alex Severein, and Joey Bowling. She joins those who preceded her in death, including her loving husband of 48 years, Richard. N. Bowling Sr, her son Douglas J. Bowling, brother Frank A. Varrone and her parents.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Community Care at 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
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Condolences to the Family
February 09, 2020
Jo was always more of a real sister than an “in law”. I remember when she taught me how to knit with huge needles! She was very patient and creative. I’ve refined my knitting craft also thanks to her mom, Betty. She threw my first baby shower when I was pregnant with Jason. Later on, she watched both Jason and Justin who loved their Aunt Jo. I can’t thank her enough for caring for Frank, as she did. Jo, you will be sorely missed, but I will always remember the great meals and Christmas Eves spent with your family. You raised three amazing kids and I know their hearts are broken because of their loss. But, they are very strong and will go on. I saw how close you were with your grandkids, and they too, suffer your loss. Beautiful memories will always be there. Rest in peace, Jo. All my love, Karen.
February 07, 2020
Mrs Bowling was a second mom to me as well as the other guys in our close-knit group of friends. Whenever we’d be at the house, which was almost always, she’d always make sure there was food on the table for us. There would be times when Rick and Doug wouldn’t even be home and we’d be having dinner with Her, Bridget and Big Rick. She ALWAYS made us feel welcome and part of the family, no matter what!! We were smart enough to know that we should be there on Sunday’s at 2pm cause the sauce and meatballs were always cooking! …. Oh, there were times that she’d yell at us (and I’m sure we deserved it for all the crap we did) but she always loved us. I will forever be grateful for how she made me part of her family and I will always consider Mrs Bowling my other mom. You will be greatly missed!
Tom – “The Fat Little Italian Kid”
February 06, 2020
Joanne was a loving person, devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren. She touched the lives of many people through her work as a “Visiting Angel”, her friendships, cards to relatives, and positive spirit. She was a caretaker to both her husband and her brother in their last years, seeing to their daily well being. She put them before herself. Her laughter was infectious, as was her joy of living every day to the fullest. She never complained or asked for anything. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Jerry and Georgette Bowling
February 04, 2020
As I was growing up with my older sister are used to sneak up the stairs and look in her room because she would have the music playing and then she was dancing in the mirror by herself and she used to tell me it was to learn how to dance I thought you look like an idiot but that was OK but she did dance very well after that!
Aunt Dee
