Catherine Bowersock

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for her presence in our lives that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Catherine Jean (Stellhorn) Bowersock. With every word we pen, tears of sorrow mingled with the memories of a life lived with boundless love, unwavering strength, and infinite grace. A beautiful Kintsugi vase; meticulously crafted with broken pieces and beautifully held together by the gold of her fierce love of becoming more, always learning, and wanting her children to live stronger and better. Her life was a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of love.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, she made her way to Texas by way of Gary, Indiana, and Orange County, California. She enjoyed the scenic route in all things, embracing the twists and turns of life's journey with grace and curiosity. She was quiet, strong, reserved, and protective. She was authentically Catherine until her last, peaceful breath. She was happy in safe harbors but born to battle rough waters and storms; her wit, thoughtfulness, and determination saw her through. She passed those qualities to each of us and walked into Heaven on her terms.

Our mother was not just a woman; she was a beacon of strength, tenacity, love, and light, illuminating our lives with her warmth and kindness. Her gentle spirit embraced us in times of joy and cradled us through moments of sorrow. In her arms, we found solace, in her laughter, we found joy, and in her wisdom, we found guidance and truth. Her love was not confined by time or distance; it transcended all boundaries, eternally binding us together as a family. She instilled in us values of compassion, resilience, and empathy, shaping us into the individuals we are today.

She bore witness to incredible moments in history, from the heights of human achievement to the struggles for equality and justice. She stood on the front lines of change, witnessing the triumphs of the civil rights movement, the awe-inspiring moment when man first set foot on the moon, and the hard-fought battles for women's rights. Through it all, she remained steadfast for peace, her unwavering belief in the power of love and Jesus Christ guiding her every step.

Devoted to her Christian faith, Catherine was unshakably faithful. Her unwavering devotion guided her every action and decision. With a heart filled with love and a spirit ablaze with faith, she embarked on a journey towards ordainment, eager to serve her Lord and spread His message of love and compassion to all who crossed her path. She was an active member and Prayer Wheel contributor of Central Texas Tres Dias and encouraged numerous women to faith. Esther was her favorite book in The Bible, Amazing Grace her favorite song to sing; and beautifully so. She possessed fervent hope that her children and grandchildren would carry on the message of Jesus Christ. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts”. Psalm 145:4

But beyond her faith and advocacy, our mother possessed a remarkable talent that knew no bounds. She was an incredible artist, mastering every medium she touched. From oil painting to beading, sketching to writing and epoxy resin; she could transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing every piece with profound meaning and beauty. Her creativity knew no limits, and her artistry touched the hearts of all who beheld her work.

Her talents extended beyond the realm of artistry; she was an extraordinary cook, able to conjure exceptional meals from seemingly nothing to feed her brood of children. Her kitchen was a place of magic and everyone knew to go to her for the very best Baklava. And in her garden, she wielded her ten green thumbs with skill and passion, cultivating a bountiful harvest of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. When we were little, our shelves were lined with jars of preserves and canned goods, a testament to her prowess as a gardener and her ability to preserve the abundance of nature's bounty.

Her love for all creatures extended beyond the human realm, particularly to cats. She shared a deep spiritual communion with them, understanding their nature and connecting with them on a level that transcended words. They, in turn, recognized her gentle soul and honored her with their trust and companionship, even from afar as cats are want to do. In their presence, she found solace and joy, nurturing a bond built on mutual respect and understanding.

Her love story with our dad, Edward Bowersock, was one of unwavering devotion spanning four decades. Together, they navigated life's journey hand in hand, overcoming every obstacle with an unbreakable bond forged in love. Their marriage, the second for both, was a testament to their commitment to one another. They vowed to overcome every disagreement and never go to bed angry. Each night, our dad would declare, “I love you”, ensuring that no matter the argument, she felt comfort, love, safety, and acceptance. Their love was not just a bond between two souls, but a testament to the enduring power of forgiveness and devotion. She was immensely proud of their journey together and the strength of their union. She is his greatest joy and anchor, Dad now feeling half a person without her companionship, friendship, and presence.

She was a big sister to our Uncle Bill, who held her dearly and lovingly. He remembers his Jeanie Bug as feisty, loving, brave, and determined. As we say goodbye to our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, we take solace in knowing that her love will forever reside within our hearts. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit will continue to guide us, her love will continue to sustain us, and her memory will forever be cherished.

In the tapestry of our lives, she was the red thread that bound us together and kept us hemmed, the light that illuminated our paths in hard things, and the quiet and steady heartbeat of our family. Though she may have left this world, her love will continue to shine brightly, casting its radiant glow upon all who were touched by her presence.

She had the privilege to experience five generations of family and as busy as she was here on earth, she will be equally busy in Heaven, watching over those here and her future generations to come. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Edward Bowersock. Her children: Cyrenna (Albert) Villegas, Christina (Hector) Herrera, Troy (Rebecca) Rainwater, Cat Rainwater, and bonus sons: Dale Bowersock, Brian Bowersock and Scott Bowersock. From her seven children are: 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Her brother: Bill (Janel) Stellhorn and family.

She is preceded in death by her son, Richard Wesley Rainwater, Jr. Grandchildren: Samantha Jane Cardenas Rainwater and Mark Anthony Rodriguez. Great-grandchildren: Selena Athen Maldonado, Jayden Rodriguez, and Issac Gonzales.