Susan Bowden

Susan Welling Bowden — mother, wife, therapist and thoroughly independent woman — passed away September 20 at 93. Raised as an only child by her widowed mother in rural Sidney, Ohio, she attended Miami of Ohio and The Ohio State University. There, she met fellow psych student William Buel, and they soon wed. Moving to Chicago and later Tampa, they raised three sons before divorcing in the early Seventies. She studied English at USF before obtaining psychology degrees and becoming a therapist — a career she was made for. Through counseling, she met second husband David Kalashian, whose children she helped raise. They traveled to Greece, Haiti, Israel, the Philippines and elsewhere, feeding her restless spirit. As that marriage was ending, Sue recruited classmates for her 40th high school reunion. Upon locating old flame Omer “Bruce” Bowden in Leesburg, and reconnecting, she first learned of his attempt to ask for her hand after high school. But Sue’s mother wasn’t on board, so Bruce joined the Navy instead. Four decades later, he finally popped the question, and they married. Bruce was the one for Sue; they enjoyed retirement together in Leesburg and elsewhere until his death. Sue enjoyed dogs, painting, genealogy, bad champagne, watching “Jeopardy,” and singing in the choir at Morrison United Methodist Church. As a therapist, she wrote “Before Divorce;” as a retiree, “Symptom: Murder.” She was predeceased by Bruce; ex Dave Kalashian and his daughter, Jean; and parents Clark and Ruth Welling. She is survived by sons Stephen, Eric and Douglas Buel; her two grandchildren, Christina and Corey Buel; her stepson, Robert Kalashian; and ex William Buel. The family plans a private celebration of life. Sue’s ashes will be buried in Sidney, alongside Bruce.