Christiane Elisabeth Bowen

June 4, 1938 – June 7, 2026.

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our sweet, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and caregiver, Chris Bowen.

Born Christiane Elisabeth Grösgen to Heinrich and Irene Grösgen in Heydebreck, Germany, Christel (as her family affectionately called her) was the 4th of 5 siblings. As a child, she lived through the hardships of World War II, shaping the courage, strength and resilience that defined her throughout her life.

At 19, Chris embarked on a solo adventure to visit a friend in the U.S. She arrived at Ellis Island on her 20th birthday and settled in Los Angeles. There, she met the love of her life, Ray Bowen, turning her adventure into a lifetime. Together, they raised three daughters, Janet, Annette and Heidi and called California their forever home. Throughout her daughter’s lives, Chris worked many different jobs yet, never seemed to miss the moments that mattered most.

Chris was the caregiver of caregivers. Her home was a gathering place where no one left hungry. She made every holiday and birthday magical with her famous desserts and thoughtful traditions. She welcomed family, friends, and strangers alike with a warm smile, the irresistible aroma of a homemade meal and a charming, German accent - which she insisted she didn’t have.

When Ray fell ill, Chris would become his devoted caregiver until his passing. She treated him with a dignity and compassion that only someone as selfless as she could do. Embracing a new chapter in life, Chris traveled the world with courage and enthusiasm. She flew over Mount Everest, zip lined through the jungle, kayaked, snorkeled and hiked to peaks she never imagined.

Despite her adventurous spirit, home was truly where she was happiest. She found peace and purpose tending to her garden where hummingbirds and butterflies played. She was an avid reader, loved attending concerts, playing games and the challenge of a good jigsaw puzzle. At 82, she even found a new passion creating handmade pottery. But nothing gave her more joy than being surrounded by good food, laughter and those she loved.

Although she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in every family meal, every blooming flower, every act of kindness and every new adventure. Her love remains woven into the fabric of our lives and her memory will be treasured forever.

Chris is survived by her daughters Janet (Dave) La Plante, Annette (Dave) Siefert, and Heidi Bowen; her cherished grandchildren, Andrew (Kelly) La Plante, Megan (Chang) Kim, Nolan Siefert and Casey Siefert; her beloved great-grandson Bowen La Plante; her future great-granddaughter; her brother Joe Grösgen (Gaby); her nephews Steffen Grösgen (Tünde), Marc Grösgen; her niece Linda Pender and countless extended family and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity and love.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Bowen Family Residence 20256 Londelius Street, Winnetka, CA 91306 Light refreshments will be served. We invite family and friends to share their favorite memories, stories and photographs during an open remembrance beginning at 2:00 p.m. Your presence would mean so much to our family.