Caroline Mae Bowen

Caroline Mae Bowen, age 86, of Hamlet, Indiana, passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 21, 2026, at her home.

Born to the late Stanley Samys and Doris (Cook) Samys Cornell, Caroline lived a life defined by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. A 1957 graduate of LaPorte High School, she began building the life she would cherish most when she married the love of her life, Walter Bowen, on February 8, 1958. Together they shared more than fifty-eight years of marriage before Walter’s passing on June 29, 2016—a partnership rooted in love, family, and steadfast commitment.

Above all else, Caroline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her children lovingly describe her as “the absolute best mom,” and to those who knew her best, she was truly the heart of the family—the glue that kept everyone connected. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love, and Sunday meals around her table became treasured traditions and lasting memories for generations.

Caroline dedicated many years to serving others through her work. She spent ten years employed at American Home Foods before later serving as a secretary at Westville Correctional Facility for approximately fifteen years. Outside of her career, she remained active in her community as a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary #9423 and a faithful member of The First Christian Church.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—preparing meals for those she loved, curling up with a good book, and challenging herself with crossword puzzles. Caroline and Walter also enjoyed many years together bowling on various leagues at T-Bird Lanes in LaPorte, creating friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.

Caroline was known for her gentle spirit and gracious heart. She never had a harsh word for anyone and chose instead to see the good in people. Her example of patience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kristy Kraus (Dave), Michelle Bowen, and Kerry Bowen; her grandchildren, Kevin Kraus (Stephanie), Ryan Kraus (Casey), Mathew Kraus, Katrina Lee (Brian), and Nathan Bromwell; ten beloved great-grandchildren; her sister, Bridget Johnson; and her brother, Doran Samys.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Walter Bowen; her son, Walter Allan Bowen; and her sisters, Judy Himes and Ernestine Siders.

A celebration of Caroline’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 1:00 PM. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Patton Cemetery in LaPorte.

Though Caroline’s family grieves her passing, they find comfort in the countless meals shared, traditions created, and love she poured into every corner of their lives. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the values she modeled, and the memories that will continue to bring warmth for generations to come.