Lorraine Bowman

Lorraine Ruth Rock Bowman passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025 , in Chico, California, shortly after celebrating her 99th birthday at her home with friends and family.  Born on March 30, 1926, in Waukegan, Illinois, she spent her early years in Kenosha, Wisconsin with her family.  After the devastating loss of her father and older brother to illness in a short period of time, mother Vera, Lorraine and younger brother Don moved to California, settling in Oakland near Vera’s brother Bill.  The young family made the trip by car in 1938, traveling at a top speed of 35 miles per hour.

The family of three settled in Oakland’s Piedmont neighborhood.  Vera became a savvy businesswoman, supporting the family through buying, upgrading and selling properties.  This led the family to move around Northern California and they lived in Oakland, Emeryville and West Sacramento within a few years.

Lorraine, known by her friends as “Rocky”, graduated from Woodland High School in 1944.  After completing high school, her family relocated to Larkspur where Lorraine  secured employment as a Nurse’s Aide at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco during World War ll.  When her family relocated to Mount Shasta, Lorraine remained in Marin, renting a room in Corte Madera from John and Kay Thomas.  As a result, Lorraine met Kay’s brother David, a WWll Navy veteran.

Lorraine and David were married in Reno, Nevada on October 26, 1946.  Lorraine and David purchased a residence in San Rafael, where they started and raised a family of six children.  Over the years, Lorraine and David provided care for several other children, and so the San Rafael home was always filled with kids.

After their children had all graduated from high school and left home, Lorraine and David retired and moved to Chico where several of their kids had moved to study and live. They spent many happy years in Chico, with their kids and grandchildren participating in the Chico community.

Following David’s death Lorraine joined Bidwell Presbyterian Church and also met weekly with a group of seniors.  Lorraine gained a bit of notoriety in Chico as the 83 year old grandma who successfully resisted a purse snatching and carjacking attempt in a local restaurant parking lot, retaining both her purse and car.

Lorraine was a humble woman who loved and supported her large and ever growing family.  She prioritized family bonds and harmony over her own needs.  She treated each member of the family as a valued and equal member of the clan.  She left behind a legacy of kindness and a commitment to welcoming new family members, young or old, with open arms and friendship.  She was deeply loved by her family and was the glue that kept us close.

Lorraine is proceeded in death by her mother Vera, stepfather Gus, brother Don and husband David.  She is survived by a loving family, including children: David and Judy Bowman, Chris and Jean Bowman, Leslie and Phil Sunseri, Matt and Paty Bowman, Dan and Torrie Bowman, Robin and Char Bowman-Million.  Grandchildren are Debbie and Chris Maranta, Christian and Liz Bowman, Jennifer and Atom Larson, Kevin and Kim Bowman, Karrie and Sean Hutton, Niche and Michelle Sunseri, Josh and Lindsey Sunseri, Amy and John Adams, Andres Bowman, Joaquin and Kristie Bowman and Brigit Baldo.  Great-grandchildren include: Laura and Ali Maranta, Sarah and Sammy Bowman, Emma and Ava Larson, David and Titipat Bowman, Averi and Jacob Pelz, Cooper (CJ) and Logan Hutton, Macy and Tyler Sunseri, Reese and Noah Sunseri, Eva and Ana Adams, Benjamin Bowman and Rachel Baldo.

A memorial service will be held at Brusie Funeral Chapel in Chico on August 2, 2025.  In lieu of flowers, please embrace your grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren.  Hold them tight and cherish each moment with them.