Hobbyist loved ceramics, pool parties
11/11/2002Mildred I. Bowers, 90, whose longtime hobby was collecting dolls and working with ceramics, died Friday in Harborside Healthcare of Perrsyburg.
The cause of death was not known, Lisa Dacek, her granddaughter, said.
Mrs. Bowers took ceramics classes and fell in love with the craft, creating lamps and miniatures that she would later paint.
Family members and friends often were the beneficiaries of her work, which she practiced for decades, said Gary Bowers, her son.
“She had a lot of [ceramics], but we took some and she gave things to her nieces and nephews,” Mr. Bowers said.
Ms. Dacek said the dolls and ceramic creations her grandmother gave her are a happy reminder of time they spent together when she was a child.
“She made little scenes,” Ms. Dacek said. “She would make shadow boxes with Christmas scenes and toys.”
Ms. Dacek said some of the most vivid memories of her grandmother come from the parties they used to have at her grandparents' Perrysburg home.
“She loved hanging out with her grandchildren, and she loved pool parties. She really liked being in the sun.”
The pool parties were indicative of her grandmother's good-natured demeanor and her fun-loving spirit, Ms. Dacek said.
“You always have your favorite people, and she was one of mine,” she said.
Mrs. Bowers was born Dec. 28, 1911, in Toledo, to John and Katherine Emch. She married James R. Bowers on Oct. 10, 1940, in Swanton. They were married for 33 years before Mr. Bowers died on March 2, 1974.
About four years after they were married, Mr. Bowers started a family business with the help of his wife called Bowers Asphalt and Paving, Inc. Mrs. Bowers served as a secretary at the business for a number of years, said Gary Bowers, who has taken over the paving company.
Surviving are her son, Gary; two grandchildren, and a greatgrandson.