Catherine Bowsman of Lincoln Nebraska, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101 years, 8 months, and 17 days. She passed away peacefully, following complications from a stroke. Catherine was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Earl "Jack" Bowsman, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and companionship. Also preceded by her brother, Martino Štiković and sister Maria Martin.

Catherine's legacy lives on through her three daughters: Cynthia Schuele (Joe) of Arvada, CO; Sue Ann Tabatabai (Faramarz) of Lincoln, NE; and Mary Bowsman of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Dr. Anthony Tabatabai (Angela) of Lincoln, NE; Hali Durst (Ryan) of Lincoln, NE; Zackeray Gearhart (Hope) of Lincoln, NE; Dylan Gearhart (Genevieve) of Jersey City, NJ; Rayonna Gearhart of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by her sister, Agata of Croatia and her nephew, Tim Martin of Houston, TX. Catherine was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and love.

Catherine's life was one of extraordinary resilience and courage. Born in 1923 in Kanfanar, Croatia, she faced hardships from a young age. At just 12 years old, Catherine moved in with a wealthy family and worked as a nanny, as her own family struggled to provide for her. When World War II erupted, Catherine displayed remarkable bravery by sneaking out of the country hidden in the trunk of a car, escaping to England. There, she found work as a hostess and endured the hardships of air raids and food shortages, often seeking shelter in the underground tunnels during bombings. During her time in England, Catherine learned English—one of five languages she spoke—saved her money, and eventually reunited with her sister, Maria Martin, a war bride who had settled in Lincoln, Nebraska. Catherine was proud of her heritage but also immensely proud of taking and passing her citizenship. Always telling her children of the blessings that this country provided for her.

In 1947, Catherine met Earl "Jack" Bowsman on a blind date, and the two married shortly thereafter. Catherine and Jack were married for over 40 years. Catherine worked at the Russell Stover Candy Company as a candy dipper, earning 35 cents an hour, which she fondly remembered as "good money" at the time. She also worked for the Nebraska State Historical Society. However, her greatest joy was being a homemaker. Catherine was a constant source of love and support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her kindness, wisdom, and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Her remarkable journey through life, full of resilience, compassion, and strength, will forever be cherished and remembered. Catherine's legacy will continue to inspire her family and all those whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Catherine's life will be held at a future date. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Lincoln Nebraska next to her beloved husband.