Marie C. Bowers

Marie “Sis” Champagne Bowers, 97 years old, is now with the Lord. She passed from this life on Sept. 6, 2014, surrounded by her family and the prayers of all those who loved her: a great mother, a great grandmother, a great great-grandmother and a wonderful sister, aunt and friend. A graduate of LSU, Sis was a homemaker active in several social clubs, including the Ladies of Bal Masque and Entre Nous. In 1953, she reigned as queen of Tucumcari, Baton Rouge’s oldest men’s Mardi Gras Krewe. She was a consummate cook, known for her superb crawfish bisque and chewy chocolate chip cookies; a hostess who opened her home to any and all; a card shark in her own right; and an elegant dancer on the ballroom floor. Sis loved all sports and was a big LSU and Saints fan, following both teams closely. She was always ready to cheer the home team on with “Geaux, Tigers!” Sis, or Papa as her grandchildren called her, is survived by eight children. Three sons: Buddy and wife Emily of St. Gabriel, Louisiana; George and wife Madeleine of Austin, Texas; and Robert of Denham Springs. Five daughters: Boots Oliphint and husband Charles of Starrville, Texas; Dorothy McCaughey and husband Michael of Baton Rouge; Lu Bowers of Longview, Texas; MaryBeth Jobes and husband Jim of Baton Rouge; and Cheryl Ramsey of Denham Springs. Also, 13 grandchildren: Scott Staggers and wife Sarah of Cedar Park, Texas; Karen Oliphint of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Janey Flanagan and husband Dean of New York City; Kelly Dent and husband Dave of Hanover, New Hampshire; Byron McCaughey and wife Tiffany of Metairie, New Orleans; Mary Gruber and husband Ziggy of Houston, Texas; Fr. Matthew McCaughey of Baton Rouge; Lydia Nelsen of Los Angeles, California; Jason Jobes and wife Brandi of St. Amant, Louisiana; Samantha Jobes of Baton Rouge; Zachary Toomey of Baton Rouge; Emma Ramsey of Baton Rouge; and Caleb Ramsey of Baton Rouge. Six great-grandchildren: Lucy, Annika and Marin Dent; Gus McCaughey; Lane and Riley Richard. Sis is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and her grandson Angus McCaughey. The family thanks especially the wonderful staff of St. Clare Manor for all the loving care the nurses and aides gave Mom. They were attentive to her every need and showered her with kindness. We thank all Mom’s St. Clare angels. Visitation at Greenoaks is Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass is noon at St. Aloysius on Thursday with visiting beginning at 10 a.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. According to Mother Teresa, “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” Sis lived that beautiful life. We love you, Mom.