Bowman, Karen's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Karen Lee Bowman
Karen Bowman
July 16, 1941 – April 1, 2026
Karen Bowman, cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at the age of 84.
Karen was born on July 16, 1941, in Vancouver, Washington, to Leo and Helen Ferneding. Her mother, Helen Ferneding (Gustafson), Father Leo Ferneding, and her brother Robert Ferneding preceded her in death.
In 1962, Karen began her career as a flight attendant with United Airlines, where she worked for many years before retiring. Through her career in aviation, Karen developed a lifelong love of travel and adventure. In 1974, she married Allen Bowman in Kona, Hawaii. Together, Karen and Allen, who was a captain for United Airlines, traveled extensively and shared many wonderful experiences around the
world until Allen’s passing in 2022.
Karen’s faith in God was the foundation of her life, guiding the love she poured into everything she did. She also found great joy in cooking, sewing and renovating homes, always bringing creativity and care into everything she did. She especially treasured time spent with family and close friends.
Karen is survived by her sister-in-law Sandra Ferneding; niece Kirsti Hauswald (Ferneding) and her husband Daren; nephew Daniel Ferneding and his wife Jordan; son James Bowman and his wife Teresa; son Glen Bowman and his wife Shawna; daughter Cynthia Funai (Bowman) and her husband Bryan; daughter Allene Pock (Bowman) and her husband Greg; her 12 grandchildren, Annette, Nicolette, Alixsandra, Mitchell, Kiana, Makenna, Liana, Bryson, Cheyne, Roxanne, Shaun and Nicholas; and her four great-grandchildren, including Kameron, Braxton, Kyrie and Karter.
Karen will be remembered for her kindness and deep love for her family and friends. Her warmth, grace, and generosity touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
May she rest in peace and remain forever in our hearts
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karen?
Share a story where Karen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karen you’ll never forget.
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