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Barbara J. Bowker

September 5, 1933 ~ July 4, 2026

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Barbara J. Bowker, 93, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Pinnacle Health and Rehabilitation in Sanford.
Born on September 5, 1933, in Trenton, New Jersey, Barbara was the beloved daughter of Stanley and Elizabeth (Howarth) Tatarak. She was raised in Trenton, where she attended local schools and formed the values of faith, family, and kindness that would guide her throughout her life.
On July 2, 1955, Barbara married the love of her life, Samuel Bowker. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family, raising four children and sharing nearly 59 wonderful years of marriage before Samuel’s passing in 2014. In 1975, Barbara and Samuel relocated to Greenville, Maine, embracing the peaceful lifestyle they had long desired.
Barbara spent many years working in the hotel industry, where her warm personality and strong work ethic were appreciated by all who knew her. Above all, however, she found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She was an exceptional cook who lovingly prepared countless meals that brought family together around the table, creating treasured memories that will live on for generations.
A quiet and gentle woman, Barbara found happiness in the simple pleasures of home and the company of those she loved most. She was a devoted Catholic whose faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose kindness, warmth, and unwavering love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband, Samuel Bowker, Sr.; her son, Samuel Bowker, Jr.; and several siblings.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her daughter, Saundra Johnson of Burlington, New Jersey; her sons, Bob Bowker and his wife, Donna, of West Newfield, and Richard Bowker and his wife, Rhonda, of Winthrop, Maine. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
At Barbara’s request, all services will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.

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  1. I’m sorry for your loss, Barbara’s smile would light up a room when she would enter. I work at Pinnacle in the Activity Department. She was one who would attend the social and music entertainment. She will be missed by the staff and the residents,

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  2. I’m sorry for your loss, Barbara’s smile would light up a room when she would enter. I work at Pinnacle in the Activity Department. She was one who would attend the socials and music entertainment. She will be missed by the staff and the residents. I am pleased to have a chance to know her.

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  3. Dear Saundra, I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Please accept my condolences.

    Sincerely,
    Jo-Anne Masure

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  4. Mom
    Rhonda and I will miss you dearly and it breaks my heart that you have passed this hole in my heart will never heal my love for you and dad will always remain strong however I know that mom, dad and sammy are together once again and I will be with you in the next life by Gods side Love forever your loving son and daughter in law Richard and Rhonda

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  5. Ma you will be missed so much. Now you are back in dad’s arms again watching him play with brandy also seeing Sammy. I know your smiling down on us and are so proud of all your children. Have many memories of us all always smiling together. I love you so so much. Till we meet again

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