Mary Ann Bowser

Mary Ann Bowser of Austin, Texas, died Saturday, February 7, 2015. The former Mary Ann Platten was born November 12, 1927 in Valders, Wisconsin, to Peter Platten and Josephine Burkard Platten, and was raised on a dairy farm in St. Nazianz.

After the birth of two children in Wisconsin, as a military wife, she accompanied her husband to Mississippi, Arizona, Greenland, Oklahoma, and several bases in Texas, settling in Austin in 1967. She dedicated her life to serving others and her life was defined by her faithful volunteerism, which continued until her death. In addition to volunteering with the military's Family Services, she was a long-time member of Ladies of Charity. A few of her many other volunteer activities included Travis State School, Old Bakery Emporium, Holy Cross Hospital until its closure, Pecan Springs Elementary, over 20 years with Caritas of Austin, Walnut Hills Nursing Home, and most recently Mobile Loaves and Fishes. She enjoyed crafting and was proficient at the lost art of tatting, creating many lovely pieces that were donated to her charities. She was very involved in her neighborhood and community and was a well-loved and admired neighbor and friend. She was a loving, caring, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Roman J. Bowser of Manhattan Beach, California; Thomas M. Bowser and his wife, Cheryl of Austin, Texas; Kathleen B. Brinkman and her husband, Bruce of Falls Church, Virginia; grandchildren, Tasha J. Bowser of Austin, Texas; Brian P. Bowser of Austin, Texas; Philip J. Brinkman and his wife, Rebecca of Falls Church, Virginia; and great-grandchildren Felicity J. and Sebastian P. Brinkman, of Falls Church, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband Roman N. Bowser; her son, Paul G. Bowser; her brothers Anselm Platten and William Platten; and her sisters Winifred Ehren and Marcia Unterlander.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2015, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 13, 2015, at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin, Texas. The celebrant will be Reverend Matthew Iwuji. Burial will be at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North I-35, Pflugerville, immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Austin office of the ALS Association.