Jean Bower

Jean M. Bower (Sweitzer), our “GiGi”, graced this earth with her presence August 21, 1931 and took flight home with her angels on March 1, 2019.  Born, raised, educated and married in her beloved Pittsburgh, PA, she moved to Ohio as a young wife and mother over 50 years ago. Pittsburgh was always home and GiGi enjoyed every trip back to P-burgh.  She loved the Steelers!  A graduate of Chatham College (now University), GiGi had great times and always cherished memories of Chatham days with her fellow Chatham girls.  An art major, GiGi was creative and enjoyed a brief career in fashion and as a bridal consultant prior to her long years of service with the State of Ohio.  GiGi inherited a green thumb from her mother and thoroughly enjoyed gardening.   She grew beautiful things!  Together with her ‘ambassador’ husband Paul, GiGi was active in her neighborhood civic association.  GiGi is reunited in Heaven with her loving husband of 38 years, Paul R. Bower, Jr., her amazing parents Mildred E. Sweitzer and Earl E. Sweitzer, her hero and brother Richard E. Sweitzer, a very special aunt and uncle, Teen and Unk Sweitzer, her loving parents-in-law Enid D. Bower and Paul R. Bower, Sr., and her wonderful brother-in-law, Richard C. Bower and her sister-in-law, Enid A. Sanders (Harry).  Left here to honor her life and memory are the children she so loved: Bo Bower Hengesbaugh, Deborah S. Youman, Paul R. Bower III (Laura), and Deirdre (DeDe) B. Cummings (Rick). Forever in the hearts of the grandchildren she absolutely adored: Joshua P. Bower, Greer E. Bower Hengesbaugh, Logan J. Bower, Hanley E. Cummings and Clarissa B. Cummings.  GiGi’s surviving family includes two dear sisters-in-law, A.J. Sweitzer and Ro Bower, as well as nieces and nephews who brought her joy.  We shall all remember great GiGi stories as will countless people she befriended along the way.  GiGi made it a point to introduce herself and always greet everyone.  A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, 4341 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.  Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00pm with a Memorial Service beginning at 3:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, a contribution in GiGi’s name, Jean M. Sweitzer Bower (‘53) may be made to Chatham University, Office of University Advancement, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or www.chatham.edu/giving ; click on “Make A Gift To Chatham”, GiGi would love if you would designate your Memorial Gift for “Undergraduate Scholarships”.  The Bower family is grateful for the love and kindness shown by many friends and family during this difficult time.  We remain Bower Strong!