January 5, 1945~May 4, 2018
Linda was born in Martinez, CA to Anthony and Pearly Jane “Penny” Kalinowski. Linda grew-up in
Concord, CA, with 3 brothers and two sisters, she graduated from Mt. Diablo High School. After
high school Linda began working for Bank of America in San Francisco.
On July 5, 1963 Linda married Bradley Bowles, and they began married life living in Richmond,
CA. They bought their first home in 1964 in Martinez, CA where they raised their two children
Denise (Tracy) Hunt and Matthew (Christy Stone). Linda has two grandchildren that were her world,
being a Grandma to Emelia Hunt and Clayton Bowles was her greatest joy.
Linda stayed home raising Denise & Matt, she was room mom, she was on the Board of Directors for
many years for Martinez Little League, if she wasn't running the snack bar, she was coordinating
games, announcing games, etc. The family enjoyed summers at the family cabin in Guerneville on
the Russian River, traveling/camping and living in Martinez. Linda began working outside the home
in the late 70’s when she began working part-time at the little greenhouse in Sun Valley Mall for INatural
Cosmetics. After that, she began working part-time for Maui Pineapple Co. in Walnut Creek;
Linda retired from Maui Pineapple Co. after 18+ years.
After living in Martinez for 34 years, Linda and Brad sold their home and moved to Oakley, CA in
1998, where they enjoyed their ranch home, their grandkids, their classic Buicks, gardening, poolside
BBQ's, traveling the US and Canada in their motorhomes, and especially the recent years spent in
their custom built Tiffin Allegro Bus.
Linda loved spending time with her grandchildren; she had a very special bond with each of them.
She enjoyed making projects, baking, cooking, swimming, attending their school and sporting
events, and recently in the past few years, visiting them at their respective colleges. Linda truly loved
spending time with Brad traveling in their motorhome "boon docking" in the desert, attending RV
Rallies and numerous events across the US. She truly loved the ocean and beaches where she'd spend
hours collecting sand dollars, shells, driftwood and unusual rocks, all of which she would
meticulously clean and preserve.
When Brad became ill, Linda was always by his side and was his constant caretaker as he battled
congestive heart failure. When Brad passed away on February 7, 2017, Linda lost the love of her life
and was truly devastated and heartbroken.
Linda was a very influential and amazing daughter/woman/wife/mom and grandmother, she was so
charismatic, happy and always so loving. She would light up a room when she walked in, she was
the life of any party, and was always happy to be her crazy, fun, goofy self. To be in her presence
was pure joy, she will be truly missed by so many. As devastated as we are by her passing, we try to
find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Brad, July 6th will be their 55th wedding
anniversary.
As I have been telling myself, “Live like Linda” with a tissue (or two) in your pocket, a chapstick in
your hand and at least one, $100 bill in your wallet.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 21st at 3:00 pm at The Point in Rio Vista, CA.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18