Mary Ella Bowen Cassidy's Obituary
Mary Ella 'Ell' Bowen Cassidy
March 22, 1914 ~ August 27, 2008
Born in Portland, Oregon to Frank James Bowen and Maude Robertson Bowen. Her maternal Great Grandparents Angell had come by Ox-drawn covered wagon over the Oregon Trail to settle in The Dales Oregon in 1852. Her earlier years were spent in Detroit, Michigan and San Francisco, California until her father's firm, Western Union, transferred them to Portland, Oregon. She attended Alameda Grade School and Madeline High School.
On April 24, 1932 she married John Daniel Cassidy at Madeline Catholic Church. He preceded her in death in 1996 after 64 years of marriage. They were parents of five daughters all born in Portland, Oregon. After their marriage they lived in Portland for 22 years until her husband took a position in Pendleton, Oregon following his career with Commercial Iron Works during WWII and then with Kuckenberg Construction Company. They moved to St. Helens Oregon when he became Plant Manager for Kaiser Fiber Board in 1958.
Throughout these years as a homemaker and mother, Ell Supported her daughters many activities by holding various leadership and office rolls in their schools, scouts, sports, and academic adventures. She was also ver active in her church where ever she lived. Loved playing golf, bridge and was also in a bowling league. Raised during the depression years, she always planned for her family's future years. She was an active member of the Women's Investment Club in St. Helens Oregon. She loved to travel and visited nearly every state and Canada. She and her late husband John went abroad to Ireland, France, Italy, and Germany. Their final trip together was a cruise to Alaska.
At age 91 she moved to Walla Walla, Washington to be closer to her daughter Kay and family wishing to be independent as long as she was able.
She is survived by four daughters, Mary Jeanne Miller of Forest Grove, Oregon; Kathryn Ann Meliah Larry of Walla Walla, Washington; Patricia Jane Hughes Gary of Seminole, Florida and Janet Marie Cassidy of Carson City, Nevada. Also surviving her is son-in-law James Brock of St. Helens, Oregon, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one nephew, and four nieces.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother John C. Bowen, daughter Maureen Mae Brock, granddaughter Kate Stafford and two nephews Jack and Jimmy Bowen.
Donations may be made to the Hospice of your choice.
Services will be Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 10:00 am at St. Frederics Catholic Church with Father Tran. Burial will follow at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose.
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