Louise Foster Bowling

Louise Foster Bowling, former resident of Howe, Indiana, passed away in Sleepy Hollow, NY on May 30th, 2024, at the age of 93. Born in Rochester, New York, to Wyman and Lucy Foster, Louise was the elder of two daughters. She grew up in Needham, MA and then Portland, Maine, where she graduated from Deering High School. After high school, Louise earned an associate degree in early education from Lasell Junior College and the Nursery Training School of Boston. It was during her time in Boston that she met her future husband, Jack D. Bowling, on a blind date arranged by her roommate. They married in Boston as Jack was completing his studies at the Episcopal Theological Seminary, beginning a marriage that lasted over 50 years.

The couple moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Jack served as assistant minster and Louise was a preschool teacher’s aide. They later returned to Boston when Jack was appointed as curate at The Church of the Advent. Louise took a job as a teacher's aide in Boston, and it was during this period that their children, Stuart, and Elizabeth (Beth), were born. Although Louise loved Boston, the family relocated to Howe, Indiana, when Jack was called to serve as Chaplain and Assistant Rector at Howe Military Academy.  In Indiana, Louise and Jack welcomed their third child, Kathryn.  Despite missing the East Coast on a full-time basis, Louise cherished the summers which were spent at their cabin on Little Sebago Lake in Maine with her three children and spending time with her parents who lived nearby South Portland.

Louise was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved cooking, reading and engaging in various entrepreneurial ventures like selling Avon, Mary Kay cosmetics and Christmas cards.   She served as a secretary at Howe Military Academy and then went on to become an assistant librarian at Lima Elementary School.  Outside of work, she enjoyed hosting bridge and dinner parties with Jack and the family. She enjoyed the theater, concerts and occasional college football games with fellow parishioners of the church.  Her devotion to supporting their church and serving as a minister’s wife was a primary focus as she was a woman of unwavering faith.  Her vibrant social and church life was a testament to her dry wit and warm and loving personality. The couple remained in Indiana until retiring to Sarasota, Florida.

While in Florida, Louise and Jack embraced their love of travel, exploring the world, spending time with friends and engaging with their new church community. They continued to indulge in their passion for the arts which included the theater, opera, and concerts. Louise had a special affection for winters in Sarasota and summers on Little Sebago Lake in Maine which was truly where she was most content.  You could find her most days spending time on the lake in her red canoe and listening to the cry of the loons.  Her happy place was always Maine.

Louise will be remembered as an incredibly kind, loving and stoic individual.  She was deeply devoted to her church and family. 

She is survived by her three children: Stuart (Sallie) Bowling, Elizabeth (Christopher) Clausen, and Kathryn Bowling. She is also survived by her three grandchildren: Abigail Bowling, Nicholas, and Andrew Clausen; her sister Elizabeth (Betsy) Broberg; and her nieces and nephew. Louise was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A private family celebration of Louise’s life will be held at a later date. Her cremains will be laid to rest alongside her husband at The Church of the Advent in Boston, where they began their lives together.

 In lieu of Flowers donations may be made in Louise’s honor to Pine Tree Society at www.pinetreesociety.org. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.