February 19, 1947 – January 14, 2025
Jacqueline Lucille Bowen, 77, of Salamanca, NY passed peacefully into the loving arms of her heavenly father on January 14, 2025, after a long and valiant struggle to recover from a debilitating stroke.
Born February 19, 1947 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Annabelle Clark Bowen.
She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Bear Clan, and was a Chief Cornplanter descendant. Jackie cherished her memories of growing up in the Red House community on the Allegany Territory prior to surviving the relocation to the Jimersontown community following the construction of the Kinzua Dam.
She attended the Red House Indian School, was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1965, and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science from Jamestown Community College, later returning to school to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Jackie devoted her life to her family and her community, serving in many positions within the Seneca Nation of Indians. She held positions in retail at the Seneca One Stop, administration of the Allegany Reservation JTPA Program, and assistant manager of Highbanks Campground prior to moving into public service. Jackie served two terms as a Surrogate Judge, first elected in 1988 and again in 1993. In 2004, she was appointed Deputy Clerk for the tribe, and was then elected and served as the Seneca Nation Clerk in 2006 and the Treasurer in 2008.
Throughout her life, Jackie also volunteered with numerous community committees and boards, including the Allegany Indian Fair Committee, Keeper of the Western Door Pow Wow Committee, serving as Project Manager for 10 years, Title IV Indian Education Parent Committee for 8 years, Head Start Policy Council, Seneca Women’s Awareness Group, the first Remember the Removal Committee, Cornplanter Descendant’s Association, and an original member of the AIRVFD Ladies’ Auxiliary.
Jackie enjoyed traveling and exploring the country, especially the southwest with her longtime partner in shenanigans, Guy Patterson, who predeceased her in 2016. She most enjoyed celebrating family and friends and her Seneca community.
Surviving are: a son, Todd (Michael Croncetta) Waite; 2 daughters, Kelly (David Snow) Waite, Sara (David) Isaac; 7 grandchildren, Collin (Mia Martel) Maybee, Corrine Maybee, Karsen Schoening, Tyrone (Abigail Blake) Bowen, Tomara (Zachary Helms) Bowen, Joey Isaac, Braydyn Isaac; 2 great-grandchildren, Hendrix Wetherby, Onyx Hunt, and another expected great-grandchild; a brother, Dennis (Alita) Bowen; special sister, Rebecca Bowen; a nephew, Dennis “Gino” (Tammy) Bowen Jr.; 2 nieces, Annabell (Brian) Bowen-Miller, Alyza (Dustin Frank) Bowen; an uncle, William Jones; and several cousins and special friends.
She was predeceased by two aunts, Norma Jones, Erna Redeye, a special uncle, Elwood Bowen, and her dear cousins, Howard and Joey Redeye.
Friends may call at the Red House Memorial Church, East Loop Road, Jimersontown on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 1 – 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held in the church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Winfield Bowen officiating.
Private burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown, NY.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.
E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.
