Catherine Mae Bowen

Bowen, Catherine; Lifelong resident of New Jersey passed away May 16, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Catherine (Cathy) was born on April 21, 1961, and lived a life of courageous service to others.

“A warrior is not about perfection, or victory, or invulnerability. It’s about absolute vulnerability. That’s the only true courage…” and that is exactly how Cathy approached each day. She was a mighty warrior who would do ANYTHING for her family. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She lovingly referred to her grandsons as her circle of love, protection, and strength.

Cathy dedicated her life to being an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) advocate after her 14-year-old son David’s tragic death in 1996. It was her life-long mission to increase VEDS awareness and education, and to help other families in David’s memory. Over the last 26 years, Cathy has worked with numerous EDS organizations, and was Co-Founder/Executive Director of EDS Today. Most recently she served on The VEDS Movement steering committee as their Member Emeritus.

Cathy is preceded in death by her son, David Daniel Bowen III, her parents LaVern and Florence Sutley; and her siblings, Edward and Gary Sutley.

She is survived by her husband, David; her daughter Melissa (Drew) East, her beloved grandsons who she treasured: Tristan, Liam, and Jaxson; her siblings: Vern (Marion) Sutley, Sis (Dan) Roe, Maryann Sutley; her mother-in-law, Jane Bowen; her cousins, Ann Irwin and Frances Italiano; her nieces, Ashley Biscardi and Amber Luderitz; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Celebration of Life service for Cathy is private. In Lieu of Flowers, A memorial donation would be appreciated ‘In Memory of Cathy to help those who have the genetic disorder, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: The VEDS Movement (Non-Profit) at https://thevedsmovement.org/donate/

The Bowen family is being cared for locally by: CONRAD & THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME, 511 Emmett Street, Kissimmee, Florida 34741; 407-847-3188.

The Adams-Perfect Funeral Home 1650 New Road Northfield, New Jersey is handling arrangements in New Jersey. (609) 641-0065