Patricia "Tricia" Ann Bowen

Patricia "Tricia" Ann Bowen, 50, of Springdale, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale after a long illness and lifelong medical and disability challenges. Tricia was born September 6, 1969 in Abington, Pa., to Bill and Jean Bowen. While her physical heart stopped, her emotional heart and sweet soul that affected many will go on. She will leave warm memories in the hearts of the people she touched. She is survived by her parents, Bill and Jean. Bowen of Springdale; Brother and sister-in-Law, Bill and Lara Bowen of Springdale; nephew Braxton and nieces Brooke and Bree Bowen of Springdale; Aunts and Uncles Maureen and William Bertram of Warminster, Pa., Patricia and Jerry Hartigan of Springdale, Jane and Kevin Lindenmuth of Perkasie, Pa.; John Cranney and Trish Olivieri of Abington, Pa., Barbara Heyliger of Fayetteville and many cousins. Tricia was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Betty Cranney of Warrington, Pa., paternal grandmother, Dorothy Crane of Fayetteville; Aunt, Ann Martin of Springdale; Uncles James Bowen, Donald Bowen, and Desmond Heyliger. Tricia spent her early years growing up in Warrington, Pa., prior to moving to Springdale with her parents to attend the Elizabeth Richardson Center in Fayetteville in 1976. Tricia graduated from the Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) School and was among one of the last students to graduate high school from ERC. Tricia continued to receive services from ERC for over 42 years. For many years she worked in the ERC Preschool kitchen as a helper. She loved seeing the young children and babies and looked forward to going to work every day. We appreciate the love and support that was provided during those years. As her illness progressed, she had to stop work, as she would remind us, "I retired". She continued to go to the ERC Life Skills program for activities and loved seeing her many lifelong friends. We cannot say enough good things about the ERC Life Skills staff especially Susanne, Jacquetta, Rhanda, Tena and so many others at Life Skills who provided constant support every day. While Tricia experienced many life threatening medical challenges, it was her strong independent nature that kept shining through. Her life continued with many challenges but she was strong willed and determined to live her life her way. Tricia spent the last 6 ½ years living in her own apartment in Springdale and loved going to the apartment swimming pool, playing with dogs and cats, going to the library, movies, riding the train at Silver Dollar City and especially seeing and believing in Santa Claus. She was grateful for support staff friends especially those that provided support in her declining years; Bonnie, Brenda, Janice, Berna, Iris, Denys, who were like extended family. These special people and many others helped her live a happy independent life. We thank Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson and her legacy of ERC. ERC provided love support and compassion to Tricia and many others like her over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elizabeth Richardson Center, 2190 South Razorback Road, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701. A celebration of Tricia's life will be held at the Vicenza Villa Clubhouse, 5674 Sant Antonio Avenue, Springdale on Sunday September 29, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. Don't cry for Tricia, She will be okay, Heaven is her home now, And this is where she'll stay Free from illness and pain Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.