Marlene Aza-Bowe ended her long battle with cancer on Friday, October 23, 2009. She inspired many as she defied survival expectations and with poise and determination continued to live and love and bring joy to those around her until the very end. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend.
Marlene is survived by her husband Gary Bowe, mother Lillian Aza, daughter Krista and Chad Furtney of Veradale WA, daughter Erika Lombard of San Luis Obispo, CA, son Nathan and Cindi Lombard of Portland, OR, step-daughter Antoinette Bowe of Gilroy, CA, step-son John Bowe of Oakland, CA, granddaughter Ashlynd Furtney, brothers Mani Aza and George Aza and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father Manuel Aza.
Born in Santa Clara, CA, Marlene moved early in her childhood to Santa Cruz, CA, where she was raised, lived, and worked until 2002 at which time she moved to Gilroy CA. Marlene and Gary both attended Santa Cruz High School and it was through Marlene’s chairing of their 30-year class reunion that Gary and Marlene connected.
Marlene worked for many years for the University of California Santa Cruz and UCSC Extension in administrative positions and later for the City of Gilroy Police Department in the Records Department.
Marlene was a member of Gilroy Rotary Club and Spokane Valley Rotary Club and was proud to be involved in the many worthwhile projects of Rotary including being very active in the formation of Rotary Project Share Life that supported the registering of potential bone marrow donors.
Gary and Marlene moved to Spokane Valley in December 2007 in order to maximize the time available to spend with her children and grandchild and quickly grew to love the area and the wonderful network of new friends. She was blessed to find wonderful and caring medical professionals to assist her battle including Dr. Beth Jansen, Dr. Danko Martincic and Dr. Ryan Holbrook. These fine people surely blurred the lines between doctors and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held Sat. 11/7 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Catholic Church 126 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA with at reception following at 1st Congregational Church 900 High Street from 12:30-3:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to support the Spokane Hospice House, your local hospice program or The Rotary Foundation.
