Leah Sue Bowen's Obituary
Leah Sue Bowen January 9, 1985 – November 16, 2024
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Leah Sue Bowen, known lovingly to many as Leah Sue. Born on January 9, 1985, in Berkeley, California. Leah shared her sweet nature and heart of gold with everyone she touched.
Leah was the cherished daughter of Douglas and Kelly Bowen and a perpetual little sister. Born January 9th, 1985, this day was sure to be a day of grand celebration in the Bowen household. Her dad made sure her birthdays were unforgettable, from special spa stays with friends at the Claremont Hotel to pool parties and kayaking at the Berkeley Marina.
Leah’s early years were filled with joy and exploration–camping with her dad and brother, spending summers on her Auntie Pam’s houseboat, horseback riding, and swim team. By high school, she turned her passion for the water into purpose as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Berkely YMCA.
Leah’s young adult years were marked by both challenges and growth. Leah witnessed the traumatic loss of a dear friend in 2005 through gun violence followed by the untimely death of her father in 2008. While these events had a profound effect on Leah’ life, she persevered, and in 2010, she earned her degree in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Elementary Education from San Francisco State University. In May of the same year Leah was blessed with two beautiful children. Motherhood & grandmotherhood transformed both Leah and her mother Kelly. Leah and her mom were able to restore their bond through shared experiences with Olivia & Elijah; visits to the Lawrence Hall of Science, little farm, and long road trips to Oregon to visit her brother Ian. Leah’s children were her light, her motivation, and her greatest love. She poured her heart into them, sharing with them her passion for learning, her humor, and her boundless capacity to provide love and care to those she encountered.
Leah will be remembered as much for her spice as for her golden heart. Her legacy lives on through her children, Elijah and Olivia Bennet. She is also survived by her mother, Kelly Bowen; her brother & his wife , Ian & Lauren Bowen; her nieces Harper and Sawyer Bowen; her Aunties Pam Caneva, Sherry Barrios, Shelly Lange; her uncles David Wainwright, Scott Lange and a host of extended family and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Leah was preceded in death by her father, Douglas Bowen.
A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland on Saturday, November 30, 2024, beginning at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to GoFundMe for the twins’ college fund here www.gofundme.com/f/leah-bowens-legacy
Rest peacefully, Leah Sue, in the arms of your father, surrounded by love.
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