Sarah Faye Bowden

On September 29, 1972, in Boise, ID, Barb and Larry Anderson welcomed their second child and named her Sarah Faye. Barb recalls that Sarah’s entire birth process took two hours. Her daughter came into the world hard and fast – and never stopped.

Sarah grew up with older brother Ben – mostly in a VW camper van. The family loved to camp and road-trip, and in the days before seat belts were a thing the kids logged a lot of miles building forts and goofing off freestyle in the back of that VW.

The Andersons settled in Silverton in Sarah’s teens, and she graduated from Silverton High School. In addition to being Valedictorian of her class, Sarah also played volleyball, basketball, and sang in both the concert and jazz choirs. As talented as she was gifted, Sarah’s love of music brought her joy all through her life.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication from Western Oregon University, Sarah began a career at OHSU. She advanced steadily, and was a great asset to the organization.

Sarah married Randy Bowden, and they were blessed with daughter Violet, known to her friends as Tommie. Sarah loved being a mother, and although she and Randy did not stay married they did stay committed to co-parenting as if it was the most important thing in their lives – because it was.

This summer Sarah started in on the huge endeavor of re-doing her yard. She loved plants, loved gardening, and was very excited about the project.

Sadly, she did not complete it. On August 9, 2023, Sarah died unexpectedly, and peacefully, in her sleep. She leaves behind her a multitude of heartbroken family and friends, an unfinished garden, and a legacy of music, speed, wit, kindness, generosity, resilience, and love.

The world will never be the same without her. And it will always be better because she was here.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Bowden family.