Alice Ann Bowdish

Alice Ann Bowdish passed away on May 5, 2025, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 1, 1946, in Harvard, Illinois, to Earl and Vira (Lush) Farver. Alice was the prom queen and salutatorian of the Mauston, Wisconsin, high school class of 1964. She went on to attend Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Music degree in saxophone and piano. Alice married her husband of nearly 57 years, Kenneth Bowdish, on July 13, 1968, after they met in a Harvard coffee shop during her college break.

Alice's greatest joys in life were music, teaching, and her family. She began her career as an elementary school music teacher at Harvard Central School but took a break to become a full-time mother after the birth of her first child in 1972. During her time at home, she stayed actively involved in the community by teaching piano lessons, singing in the church choir, and working as a substitute teacher.

Alice later held several teaching positions in the surrounding areas, including Hebron and Marengo, eventually concluding her career at Jefferson Elementary in Harvard. Additionally, she served as the director of the McHenry County Honors Band for 12 years. Alice retired from teaching in 2001 but continued to offer piano lessons and worked part-time at Borders bookstore for several years.

Alice is survived by her husband, Kenneth Bowdish; their two children, Michael Bowdish (married to Margarita Lam) and Elizabeth Bowdish (married to Michael Impaglia); and her two grandchildren, Matthew Bowdish (15) and Alice Impaglia (6). She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Held (married to Thomas); her brother, Lloyd (married to Linda); and her half-sister, Sandra Ostendorf (married to George), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Farver (married to Cynthia).

Alice was a true gem, and our hearts are broken that she is gone; however, it is comforting to know that her sweet soul continues to cheer us on from the other side.

There will be a visitation from 5 – 8 PM Friday, May 9, 2025, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033, and again from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service on Saturday, May 10, 2025, First United Methodist Church, 1100 N. Division St., Harvard, IL 60033.  Interment will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard.

After the burial, there will be reception starting at 1 PM in room 1883 at the Starline Factory in Harvard.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.