Genevieve Ellen Bowers

Genevieve Ellen Bowers (Gene) of Marengo, IL, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. She was 93 years young. Gene was born on the south side of Chicago on December 28, 1931. She dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband of 44 years, Paul, and their three children, Mark, Ellen, and Daniel. Gene’s greatest joy came from spending time and making memories with her family and friends.

Shortly after graduating from Chicago’s Hirsch High School in 1949, she took a job with Illinois Bell in downtown Chicago. Gene and Paul were married in 1952 and moved to Marengo, IL in 1954. They immediately became involved with the VFW and the Jaycees where they made many long lasting friendships.

Once the kids left the nest, Gene went to work at the Marengo Republican News and served as Assistant to the Editor and on the layout staff.

Gene was very active in her church, First Presbyterian Church of Marengo. She enjoyed being a member of Starlighters for many years, served on the Hospitality committee and as a teacher for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School while her children were growing up. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at the church’s Thrift Store in town.

Gene loved to travel around the United States and abroad. She never met a dog she didn’t like.

In 2020 a much needed vacation during covid lockdowns brought Gene to Washington State to visit family. Little did anyone know this vacation, complicated by recurring sickness and failing health concerns, turned that vacation into a five year stay. While in Washington Gene lived with son Mark’s family, rented an apartment in an assisted living facility, and spent the past two years being wonderfully cared for by her oldest granddaughter Jamie Shands in Snohomish, WA.

Gene was preceded in death by her husband Paul, daughter Ellen, her parents Harry and Helen Johnson and her sister Dorothy. Gene is survived by her sons Mark Bowers (Jane) and Daniel Bowers (Stacy), her grandchildren Jamie, Matthew, Christen, Bonnie, Keith, Miranda and Cassidy, five great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Gene’s memory will forever live in our hearts!

A visitation will be held at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, located at 505 East Grant Highway, Marengo, IL, 60152, on October 30, 2025, from 12:00 pm to the 1:30 pm Funeral Service.

Burial will take place at Marengo City Cemetery.