Norcella Bowers, age 87, of Sammamish passed away on March 28, 2022, at home. She was born January 9, 1935, at the head of Locust Creek, Sylva, NC, to Henry and Burla (Shuler) Hoyle. She moved to Hamilton with her family in 1951 and attended Sedro-Woolley High School.
Norcella worked professionally as a nurse for over thirty years, then nursed her husband through his cancer, and then nursed her mother for the last several years of her life. Originally, Norcella worked as a janitor at the Skagit Valley Hospital. Nurses there convinced her she would have a better life as a nurse, and they raised the scholarship to pay for her training. She never regretted becoming a nurse, saying she loved the variety of the work. She worked psych at the VA hospital, as well as floor duty at UW and the Maynard Hospital. By 1970, she began working long private patient cases for the wealthy and famous.
Norcella and Richard Wesley Bowers were married on May 8, 1965, in Sedro-Woolley. They made their home in the Seattle area. They built a successful rental business together, including a 68-unit apartment house next to Virginia Mason Hospital. After Richard’s death in 1996, Norcella made multiple successful real estate deals demonstrating her own acumen and knowledge.
Norcella’s passion for caregiving was evident in her family. She was very involved in the lives of her children, grandkids, and the occasional lost soul that crossed her path. She was an avid gardener and shared her love and passion for flowers with her children and grandkids. Norcella believed in the good and capability of each person. She worked hard to understand, encourage, and support all of her loved ones.
Norcella loved Jesus and the church. She suffered many serious illnesses (three cancers; 55 days on a ventilator; lifelong heart disease that began in childhood), but through all of it made no excuses, instead focusing her energy on others.
Norcella is survived by her three children, Ken (Cassie) Thomas and Darlenekay Thomas (Joe) Boese, of Sedro-Woolley, Jeanette (Doug) Weaver of Sammamish; double-first cousin Alean Cloer of Concrete, WA; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Richard; her parents; siblings; and her grandson, Austin Thomas.
A time of visitation will be available from 9:00 to 5:00, Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, and from 9:00 until 12, Wednesday at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley; A Graveside Service will follow at 1:00 at Greenhills Cemetery, Burlington. Share your memories of Norcella and sign the online guest register.
Dear sweet Mother. I’m so grateful for your lifelong friendship, encouragement and support. I’m so grateful for your high energy and tenacity for life, family, and especially children and grandchildren. I’m so grateful you modeled a persistent Christian faith for all of us. Your passing, though dreaded and sad, was a beautiful one surrounded by family who loved you and held you as long as you lived.
I remember when I first met Norcella. She was either engaged to or married to my Uncle Ricky. I was very apprehensive because some of Ricky’s other girlfriends we’re a little strange to me. When I first met Norcella she was nice, friendly and obviously to me a true family member! She’s always been one of my favorite aunts.
Norcella, I miss seeing you and always wished we lived closer so we could visit more. You in Washington and me in Oklahoma. You are a remarkable woman and you have raised remarkable children, and I’m so glad that I still connect with Jeanette. She is a lot like you I think. Always looking after the family. Could not find a more caring person. Now without pain you can not spend time with your family in heaven. I love you!
We are blessed to have known such a beautiful and loving lady. She always made us feel at home at the holiday gatherings we got to spend with her. The world will be a little dimmer without her light in it.
Momma, I have always loved you. I am glad that you don’t have to suffer any longer. Some day I will be with you and we can play in the Wisteria.
You were always so sweet and kind Norcella. I will miss saying “hello”
to you whenever we saw each other. I have this lovely memory of you sitting in the chair in the front yard of Jeanette’s house basking in the warm Autumn sun. May the sun always shine upon you.
Aunt Norcella was so kind and loving.
I remember as a child visiting how she had reupholstered the sofa. I was so impressed that she knew how to do this.
Her voice was calming and she had a beautiful laugh.
I feel so blessed that Aunt Norcella was in my life!