Patricia A. (Bowen) Sternala

Patricia A. (Patty Ann Bowen) Sternala, 85, of the Indian Orchard section of Springfield passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Born February 2, 1930 in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Cordelia (Bobo) Harriet Schwartz and Henry Charles Bowen, who raised her in her real home, Hungry Hill in Springfield. Her father traveled extensively as a businessman, but always took the time to be part of the family and the childrens life.

Patty Ann was as Irish-Catholic as they come. She was the youngest of three sisters and took guidance from Winifred and Marrion. She always looked to and held in the highest of esteem, her one and only brother, Donald (Uncle Don) Bowen. Sadly, she was predeceased by her siblings. She leaves behind her niece, Linda Spellman (who was like a daughter to her) and her favorite nephew, Kent Spellman; his lovely wife Cathy and their two wonderful boys, Kent Robert and Kyle.

Being a good Catholic girl, she spent as much time in church as she did helping people. She missed vespers one evening; ended up being sweet talked and swept off her feet, by a tall, dark, handsome Navy boy from Indian Orchard, her one and only true love, Stanley Sternala, who has been in Heaven, waiting on Momma since 1984. Whatever Mom and Dad didnt know about raising two boys (David in Chicago and John, somewhere in the woods of Vermont), they learned as they went. Mom and Dad always taught Please, Thank-you, Yes Maam, No Sir, Always hold the door for Ladies, Tell the truth, Stand your ground, And dont be late for Church!

Patty Ann graduated from the High School of Commerce in Springfield, a willing shenanigan participant with her gang of best friends (lifelong friends that God just doesnt make anymore) Dolores, Dot (sadly deceased), Barbara, Edie, Janet, Georgia (the world renowned, Georgia (Web) Webber), the woman who helped Mom hone her acapella voice, with Lay Down Your Head Tom Dooley, which Mom would sing anytime Web would tell a hilarious joke of questionable tone. Her best and longest lifelong friend, Leonora (Auntie Lee) was, without a doubt, Mums twin. Rest assured Mum is holding safe Auntie Lees Angel Wings and will greet her with open arms, when the time comes.

In addition to being a very sneaky, creative homemaker; constantly preaching, Wait till your Father gets home, Patty Ann spent her career in the banking industry, working for the former Third National Bank, United Cooperative Bank and Ludlow Savings Bank, retiring in 1988. Patricia was a devout communicant of Christ the King Church in Ludlow, MA. Her selfless volunteerism spans close to three decades at the former Ludlow Hospital, as well as Life Care in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Please know that the many wonderful and caring sisters and brothers (both residents and employees) at Life Care were, without a doubt, Mums extended Wilbraham family. As her son, I cannot speak the volumes in this note to express what a blessing you good people are and how much both Mum and I are comforted from the years of care and compassion. Thank-you all so very, very much.

Please know that Patty Ann shines the grace of Heaven and the songs of Angels on her sister-in-law Stephanie Rodrigues (honestly, they were more like sisters), who held her hand and comforted her as she made her way to Heaven; her nephews, Michael (and his lovely and caring wife Jane); Joey (and his younger, handsome, life partner Mick); her grand nephews, Josh, Jonathan, and her great grand nephew, Little Victor. And yes Mom, the cat too.

Grandmas greatest lifes joy is her one and only granddaughter Hailey Lynn Sternala.
Not a moment went by when Hailey wasnt in the forefront of her mind. There is no more special and powerful bond than that of grandparent to grandchild and any one who was gifted to see this bond, truly knows the all encompassing blessing of purest love.