Karen Jeannette Severcool Bowman of Montrose, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family after struggling with many ailments for many years. Her strong, steady spirit is what made Karen endure many losses in her life. She enjoyed what she could in the moment even with difficult medical problems.

Born on September 9, 1949 the daughter of late Joan Lewis Durland in Meshoppen, PA. She was raised in Forkston, PA along with her four brothers and two sisters by their mother, whom they cherished very much. She was a graduate of Tunkhannock High School class of 1967. She had so many memories and shared those memories about growing up and going back to those family gatherings. She especially liked sharing memories about the Thanksgiving days over the years. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday and before she took over the family tradition of Thanksgiving the holiday was held at her mother's home in Forkston. So many memories were made at those family gatherings and she enjoyed telling, listening, and laughing about them all.

On October 21, 1968 she married her late husband, Merton Bowman (February 7, 2013) and soon became a "truck drivers wife" but not for long. She became a truck driver as well and the two of them drove as a team across the country for many years. Many of the stories have been shared over the years about their occurrences that happened on those trips. Karen and Mert together visited every state except for Hawaii. Someday a part of them both will go to Hawaii together with their family, as that was the last they had never visited.

She was a past member of the Forkston Methodist Church as well as a past member of the Rought Hall Post 510 American Legion Auxiliary. Karen enjoyed her SUDUKU puzzles, mini peanut butter Snickers, and her "shopping" days.

Karen's family was her entire world. She was without a doubt the matriarch of her family. There was not one member of her family that would not have given the shirt of their back, the food out of their hand, or the last coin in their pocket to her if she asked for it. But the great thing about Karen was that she would have never asked for those things. All she wanted was to show love and to be loved. She was whole-heartedly loved and she showed that love back.

Karen is survived by her paternal father; daughters Melissa and Tony Latini of Wyalusing, PA; and Jamie and Rob Heft of Montrose, PA. Also surviving are her grandchildren Dustin and Heidi Latini of Wyalusing, PA; Vincent and Tiffany Latini of Wyalusing, PA; Jacob Latini of Wyalusing, PA; Robert Heft III of Montrose, PA; James Heft of Montrose, PA and one great-granddaughter Morgan Latini of Wyalusing, PA. Karen is also survived by her brothers Thomas Severcool of Factoryville, PA; David Severcool of Tunkhannock, PA; Michael Severcool of Montrose, PA; Clinton Severcool of Vermont; sister and best friend Joan Newhart of Wyalusing, PA; aunt Alice (Lewis) Denison of Forkston, PA and many nieces and nephews as well.

Besides Karen's mother and husband of 45 years she is preceded in death by her sister Irene Comstock (March 22, 2008) and step-father E. Wm. Durland (June 2, 1992).

A graveside service will be held for Karen and Mert on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Lacey Street Cemetery with Chaplan David Betts of the Hospice of Sacred Heart officiating.

Arrangements were made by Sheldon Funeral Homes, Main St. Laceyville, PA 18623.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes- Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences can be made at sheldonfuneralhomes.com.