Hugenia Leahr 'Jeanne' Bowen

Hugenia “Jeanne” Leahr Bowen died peacefully at her home with her family by her side in Columbus, Ohio on November 11, 2013. Jeanne was born on August 15, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended the Cincinnati Public Schools, Walnut Hills High School, and the University of Cincinnati. She was confirmed at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Cincinnati. She moved to Columbus, Ohio in September, 1951 upon her marriage to John W.E. Bowen III and continued her work as a Registered Laboratory Technician at The Ohio State University Hospital. Her family has always been the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and trusted friend. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, traveling, sewing, gardening, and playing bridge in her early years. She was an active member of St. Philip Episcopal Church for over 50 years where she served on the Vestry, chaired the Bereavement Committee, served over 40 years on the Altar Guild, served for 25 years as Eucharistic Minister and Chalice Bearer, served 19 years in the Food Pantry, was a former Choir member, and taught Sunday School. She is a former trustee of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, served on the Women’s Board of Children’s Hospital, Columbus, and served on the Boards of the Westside Eastside Child Care Centers Association and Central Community House in Columbus. She is a charter member of the Columbus Metropolitan Club and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Martin Luther King Center. For several years, Jeanne was volunteer for The American Cancer Society and the League of Women Voters. She was a member and served as President of the Columbus Chapter of Jack Jill of America, Inc. and the Columbus Chapter of the Moles, Inc. She was a charter member and served as President of the Twin Rivers Chapter of the Links, Inc. Jeanne was married to the late John W.E. Bowen III, a former member of the Ohio Senate and a Columbus lawyer who practiced in Columbus for 59 years. She is survived by her four adult children, Janice (Arthur) James, John W.E. Bowen IV, Margaret Bowen, Rose Ann Bowen, four grandchildren, Arthur James, Andrea James, Ariel Sims, and Ryan (Danielle) James, and her great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, John Leahr and sister, Roberta Callaway. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Rosezelia (Bradshaw) Leahr, brothers Charles Leahr, George (Anne) Leahr, Richard (Ruth) Leahr, William (Cora) Leahr, sisters Grace (Arthur) Moore, Pearl (Joe) Schwering, Rozelia (Walter) Patton, sister-in law Geneva Leahr, and brother-in-law Dwight Callaway. We will miss her warm smile and loving spirit and hope that our lives reflect her legacy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Widow's Mite Fund c/o St. Philip Episcopal Church, or the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.