Suzanne Melinda Bowen

Born in Seattle, WA on February 2, 1948, Suzanne was the cherished daughter of Ralph and Rosemary Carlson. She grew up in Tracyton, near Silverdale, WA. Suzanne was a devoted family member whose warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Rosemary, as well as her sister, Rozane Hofstra. Suzanne left us a legacy of love, and her memory will be forever treasured by her family and friends.

Suzanne leaves behind her devoted husband of 40 years, Wayne Bowen, with whom she shared a beautiful and loving marriage. Together, they raised two remarkable children, Bryce (Amy) Van Parys and Sarah (Michael) Steffen, and were the proud grandparents of Alexandra and Charles Van Parys, and Zachary and Tyler Steffen. Suzanne and Wayne’s lives were filled with joy as they actively participated in their grandchildren’s music and dance recitals and sporting events, creating countless precious memories.

Suzanne’s love for music and worship was a guiding light throughout her life. As a very young girl, Suzanne began learning piano on her grandmother’s antique pump organ. Her natural talent soon flourished into a lifelong career of private instruction and performance. She began teaching piano students when she was only nine years old. After graduating from Central Kitsap High School in 1966, Suzanne pursued her passion for music at Western Washington University, earning a degree in Music Performance in 1969.

In 1983, Suzanne accepted the role of church pianist and organist at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Renton, WA, a position she proudly held for 43 years. Her music enriched countless Sunday services, weddings, and funerals, touching the hearts of many. In 2019, she extended her musical talents to the lobby of Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, where her performances brought comfort and encouragement to staff and patients alike.

Suzanne was not only a talented musician but also a gifted seamstress and gardener, spending countless hours working with her hands in quiet contemplation. Her life was characterized by poise, grace, and quiet strength. She carried an unwavering Christian faith, using her gifts to lead others in worship and to inspire those around her.

A service to celebrate Suzanne’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on August 9, 2026, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, located at 12819 160th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made in Suzanne’s memory to the Worship Fund at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (https://lollc.org), or to Mercy Ships (https://www.mercyships.org).

The family finds solace in knowing that Suzanne is now in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her legacy of love, faith, art and music will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.