Charlene Bowyer's Obituary
Charlene Elaine Bowyer, 84, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, caregiver, gardener, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on May 11, 2026. Born and raised in Michigan, Charlene carried the strong traditional values of her upbringing throughout her life and into the hearts of everyone she touched.
Charlene devoted 32 years to caring for children in her in-home daycare, where she became lovingly known to many simply as "Nanny." She helped raise countless children with patience, warmth, and old-fashioned care, filling their days with crafts, baking, projects, stories, and unconditional love. She treasured watching the children she cared for grow into adults with families of their own.
A gifted homemaker, Charlene created a home filled with comfort, beauty, and kindness. She was especially known for her exceptional baking, particularly her famous pies. Her apple pie was a true labor of love, made even more special with the help of her husband, John, who faithfully peeled the apples beside her.
Charlene had a lifelong passion for gardening and flowers, especially daylilies. Her beautifully landscaped home became a featured stop on the local garden tour, where she delighted in personally guiding visitors through her gardens and sharing her knowledge and love of nature. She proudly served three terms as President of the Pleasant Hills Garden Club and was dedicated to the design, care and preservation of the Pleasant Hills Cloverleaf Memorial Garden.
Her commitment to nurturing others extended into her faith community as well. Charlene served for many years as Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint, where she guided and inspired generations of children and families.
In her younger years, Charlene embraced adventure and fun. A talented water skier, she once proudly stood atop a water ski pyramid. She and John also enjoyed traveling, especially to Cancún and throughout the eastern United States, creating countless memories along the way.
Charlene is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Bowyer; children, Mark (Laura) Bowyer, Shari (Dan) Wines and Matthew Bowyer; grandchildren, Jonathon (Janolin) Bowyer, Jennifer Wines, Joshua Bowyer, Claudia Bowyer, Daniel Wines and Alexander Bowyer; as well as, her sister-in-law, Sharron Merritt.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edna Merritt; and her brother, David Merritt.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, May 15th from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
A Funeral Service will be held following visitation at 1 P.M. in the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
Online condolences and flower tributes may be given at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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