Adella “Sissy” Bowden
January 3, 1924 – May 10, 2020
Adella “Sissy” Bowden, 96, of Richmond passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020.
Sissy is survived by her husband John (Jack) L. Bowden Jr; children Lance (Mary) Bowden and Ann (Dave) Voss; adoring nieces and nephews; and the true loves of her life, grandchildren John, Emma, Claire, Keely, Tommy, and Scottie.
Always the adventurer and lifelong learner, Sissy travelled the world in person and through books. As an avid sports fan, the ultimate payoff came last year from UVA’s basketball championship. She loved the arts – painting, writing, music, and dancing the jitterbug. She faced challenges head-on: working at a WWII airfield, selling furniture, teaching interior design, fulfilling the role of navy officer’s wife, various leadership roles in PEO, volunteering as room mother, leading Girl Scout troops, and running her own marketing research company. She was ready for a movie at a moment’s notice, but it was really for the popcorn. Sissy was kind, loving, and humble, and never met a stranger.
To borrow from the other ol’ blue eyes:
“I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way.”
Memorial gifts can be made to Friends of Henrico County Library or PEO Continuing Education Fund.
The greatest Aunt a kid could ever have. Thank you aunt Sissy.
The Greatest Grant Aunt! Just so loving and sweet to me whenever I saw her. And reminded me a lot of Martha and it made me feel good and close to both of them. You will be missed Sissy! ❤️❤️❤️
Sissy was a wonderful aunt – a great gift in my life!! I will forever remember her constant smile and her readiness for life!!!
Sissy was the best friend and aunt and mom I can imagine. Somehow she was always on your side, no matter what side that happened to be. Even when she wasn’t around, she shaped who we became. And she was right about Pepsi.
When I think of my Aunt Sissy, I smile; I always have. As a child I wanted to be like her! I copied her handwriting style, I learned to order popcorn, a Hershey Bar and a Pepsi at the movie theater, and she taught me how to keep proper score at a baseball game. She was the best personal cheerleader a child could have. She will be missed by so many.
Sissy a wonderful Aunt and a great friend. Who would drive 5 hours to come and work a basketball trade show at age 65 ? ..Sissy ! Who would stand in the booth and make people laugh ? Sissy ! Why.. ? because at 5′ ?” she would challenge people to a free throw contest and when they accepted she would hand the ball to me ..it was great shtick and we loved doing it. Thank you Ann and Lance for sharing your wonderful mom. Many Smiles.
Its funny that my childhood memories are also of popcorn, Hersheys, and Pepsi… And kindness. Thank You Aunt Sissy
I have such fond memories of Sissy and the years of market research. I learned so very much from her about life, and the importance of good business practices. My life was truly enriched by having known her.
Ann, I wish I had known your mom. She sounds like a super fun person who made the most out of her life. I’m so glad she had you.
Sissy you are one of my favorite people! I sure missed you when you moved from Pinedale Farms. I missed seeing you walk all over the neighborhood and speaking to everyone you encountered. I truly enjoyed our conversations and I learned from you during our book club meeting. May you rest in peace
I have such fond memories as a young child with the most wonderful aunt you can imagine. Games, popcorn, and especially Pepsi. She was this wonderful light in our lives.
To our great neighbor for many years. Always willing to help and
a great friend to my wife Ann. Hope you continue your
friendship in Heaven, God be with you.
I was so fortunate to have grown up knowing Sissy. She had such a light inside of her. She will be missed.
I remember visiting with Sissy a restaurant in Santa Fe and was so inspired by her youthfulness. I also remember hearing that she walked everyday with others in her neighborhood. She was an inspiration to me and I’m sure, to many others. She will be missed. Love you, Sissy❤️❤️
Wonderful friend and traveler extraordinaire. Miss you!
Words are so inadequate at a time like this, yet please know that my thoughts are with you, Jack and the family. Sissy was a special lady and there is no doubt her passing will be a great loss to all who knew her. I have memories of all the fun jobs I did for her in market research. Few people have achieved the position of respect and high esteem which she enjoyed for so many years. A life well lived!
Lance and Ann, I just watched the memorial video that we….. Sissy’s 10 nephews and niece, and June Shaffer ….made for you and your families. I laughed and cried and just needed to share how much I MISS YOUR MOM today. xoxo.