LINDA S. BOWKER

SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — Linda Bowker, 94, of Sun City Center, Fla., formerly of Princeton Junction, N.J. and East Middlebury, Vt., passed away peacefully June 3, 2026. She was born in Worcester, Mass., and spent her early childhood in nearby Shrewsbury.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband and constant companion, John; her parents, Duane and Margaret Sprague; and siblings, Jean Kiendl, Duane Sprague and Carlton Sprague. She is survived by their three children, Wendy Lodge, John S. Bowker (Joanne) and Denise Bowker; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Linda was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority at the University of Vermont. Linda’s career started as a tech in one of Rutgers University’s computer labs and progressed to the go-to person for analyzing data for RCA-GE Astro Space Division. She retired from RCA-GE in 1989 to travel the country with John.

Linda was involved in projects all her life, from sewing to little league concessions to household improvements. She will always be known for the WHISTLE. The Bowker kids knew to come running.

Following her retirement, John and Linda traveled to all 48 contiguous states in their beloved “Roo” motorhome, visiting many quilting shops. After settling in Sun City Center, John and Linda became active members in the volunteer emergency squad, where they worked as dispatchers for over 20 years. They were very active in the SCC New England Society and hosted numerous events throughout the years. Linda loved the Sew ‘n Sews club, and was known for her skills in making all of her own clothes plus doll clothes that have been donated around the area.

The one constant in Linda’s life, starting at age 15, was the presence of John. They met at his 16th birthday party, dated through high school and college and were married Aug. 17, 1953, in the Congregational Church in Middlebury. For nearly 80 years, they were never more than an arm’s length apart from each other, greeting each other with a kiss every day they were married. She lived for 108 days without him, and that was enough. They are on their way to forever together.◊