Janet Bowen

Janet Cartwright Bowen - 63, of Melbourne, Florida after long battle with cancer was reunited with family and friends at Heaven's Gate on Sunday, August 13, 2023. She was born on February 27, 1960 to the late Frank and Bernice Cartwright and was married to Charles "Skip" Bowen.

In addition to being a full time wife and mother, she was also an accomplished registered nurse, proficient in many nursing fields due to multitude of nursing occupations that she had to learn as she relocated frequently due to Skip's military career. She also left behind an incredible legacy due to her volunteer work with the U.S. Coast Guard, which culminated in her role as the service Ombudsman at Large from 2006 - 2010. She focused on helping young spouses transition into the role of Coast Guard spouse, worked tirelessly to find ways to improve Coast Guard housing, and even became involved in benefit improvements that required legislation. In spite of budget issues and many hurdles she was able to accomplish a tremendous amount for Coast Guard families. Her achievements are still making a difference today.

Survivors include her husband Charles "Skip" Bowen and her children Mason W. Bowen (Wendy), Joshua A. Bowen, Joseph A. Bowen, and Kristen N. Johnston (Jeff), her siblings Pamela L. Cartwright, Michael K. Cartwright, and David K. Cartwright and her grandchildren Aiden, Sam, Maggie, Jude, Wyatt, and Cole.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday the 9th of December at 2pm at Riverside Church in Sebastian, FL -11205 Roseland Rd. Sebastian, FL 32958. There will be a later burial in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Coast Guard Foundation or the First Command Educational Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Bowen family.