Madison- Janice Elaine Bowden “Nana,” age 85, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the UW Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Ruberg and Elva (Sands) Jacobson on her father’s birthday March 1, 1938, in her family’s home on Fair Oaks Ave in Madison, WI.

Janice grew up on the east side of Madison. She proudly graduated from East High School in 1956. Throughout her High School years, she worked at Woolworth’s on the Square. During this time, she met John Alfred Bowden Sr., the son of a farming family from Montfort, WI and on July 14, 1956, they were married. John and Janice went on to have 6 children (4 boys and 2 girls). In 1969 John passed away with the children ranging in age from 2 to 12 at the time. From that point forward Janice raised the kids on her own. She played the roles of Mother and Father as best as she could, regardless of how overwhelming it was at times. She had to become a “Jane” of all trades. Over time Janice held numerous jobs in the service industry, many years holding two or more jobs trying to provide and meet the needs of the family the best she could. In 1972 she managed to buy her first home as a single mom, a joyous event for her and the family. Janice was a hard worker, loved everyone and was great in the service sector as people loved her. She never met a stranger, or at least until you met her, she was no longer a stranger to you. Janice sacrificed many personal ambitions and dreams to raise her children, to keep the family close, so that they would have the opportunities she had to let pass by. Although finances were always a challenge, she taught us directly or indirectly that love is a currency more valuable than anything. As we aged into adulthood, we began to understand how truly lucky and fortunate we really were. She had given us everything she had to give. We all took her love and let it lead us, like a blue print, into successful relationships in life with our own families, extended families & friendships.

Janice enjoyed music, dancing, gardening, making cards, playing cards, craft sales / art fairs, shopping & bingo. She loved watching tv and sharing a good series / show with family. Game night with a bunch of the kids and grandkids became her favorite. Sharing time with her family was her main priority, she was so very proud of each of us and never let a chance go by to let us know that.

Janice is survived by her five children, Ron (Cecilia) Bowden, Dave Bowden, Cheri Mecum (Dick), Cathi Elliott (Bruce), Dan (Meg) Bowden, all from the Madison/Waunakee area; 12 grandchildren, Christina, Nate, Alicia Bowden, Ricky, Tony, Mikey Mecum, Allison Elliott, Kayliegh Jo, Jessie, Nicole Bowden, Pablo & Isa Garay; 10 great grandchildren, Alex, Victoria Ashworth, Sofia, Emma, TJ Gonzales, Raelyn Rueter, Bailey and Archer Mecum, Payten and Colten Kopmeyer.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ruberg & Elva; husband, John Bowden Sr.; daughter-in-law, Tricia Bowden; and her brother, Roger Jacobson.

Family would like to thank the staff at UW Hospital for their compassion and understanding on how handle patients and their families with love and respect during the most difficult time.

A Celebration of Janice’s Life will be held from 1- 4pm on Saturday October 21st, 2023, at Madison’s Elks Lodge #410 711 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Janice Bowden

March 01, 1938 - October 15, 2023

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