Susan Diane Bowen

Our dear Mom passed away peacefully on August 29, 2017, held by the two people who loved her most. Her vibrant mind and body finally surrendered after a long-fought battle with early onset Alzheimer's.
Susan was born April 13, 1950 to Edward and Evelyn Fincham in Uxbridge, England. Born and raised in England, Susan studied nursing and dental assisting, eventually becoming a civilian employee for the US Air Force.  While in Wiesbaden, Germany she met and married Richard D. Bowen and later had two wonderful daughters, Diane and Jennifer, and became an American citizen. After their divorce, she maintained a loving relationship with her American family and moved with her two daughters to Sandy, UT.
A long-term resident of Sandy, Susan discovered a new career in hotel management.  First, with FWC Properties, an independent hotel management company, where she eventually became the Director of Operations. Susan later transitioned to franchised operations and found her home with Choice Hotels International as a Franchise Service Director where she managed a portfolio of 40 – 60 hotels until she retired in 2010.

Susan had a passion for travel and would frequently journey to places across the globe, instilling a love of travel in her children.  She enjoyed tennis, reading, horseback riding and caring for her garden with the help of her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother and watching them grow. Susan was also an amazing artist in which she painted for pleasure. Susan was gracious and kind, aware of the plight of others and frequently, often anonymously, helped others in need. It was not uncommon to have friends or hotel guests that were alone during the holidays, join her family for meals. We will miss this beautiful, kind and generous woman who meant so much to so many.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dennis and Jan VanCampen for their support and care in her final years, allowing us to keep Mom home with us as long as possible.  Our thanks also to ComfortWorx Hospice Care for their gentle and compassionate care of our mother in her final days and their support to her family and friends.

Survived by two daughters, Diane Bowen and Jennifer (Robert) Johnston; two grandchildren, Avery and Hadleigh Johnston; her relatives in England and countless friends.

Please join us to celebrate a life well lived on Friday, September 8, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah.  Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, 9800 South 1700 East, Sandy, UT.  All are welcome to attend. Starks funeral home has been entrusted for arrangements.  

If preferred, you may donate memorials to The Alzheimer's Association or Hilarity for Charity, both of whom support research for a cure and caregiver programs.