Rejoice, my friends! Caroline Elizabeth Gornick Bowden, of Trafford, has been called by name, and her God has gathered her with loving care to her great reward in heaven. Caroline will run and fly to Springs of living water with her husband of 68 years, (married on March 2, 1957), Louis Francis Johannes Bowden, who went before her in January of 2023. Also gone before her are her beloved brother, Father Thomas Michael Gornick, her mother Mary Veronica Krajacic Gornick, and her father Michael George Gornick, I. Caroline leaves behind her 2 daughters, Catherine (Cathy) (married to Raymond Greco), and Michelle (Shelly). Caroline has two grandchildren by Cathy and Ray, Katrina Louise Greco (married to Gabriel Johnson), and Louis Francis Greco (married to Sarah Greco). Louis and Sarah have 2 children, Luca Greco and Salvador Greco. Caroline is also survived by her precious younger brother, Michael George (married to Michele Mahon), and their 4 children. Caroline is especially close to her nephew, Michael Thomas Gornick (who is married to Colleen Donahue, and whose children are Michael George, Matthew, Colette, Clare, and Joseph), and they all brought her so much peace and joy! Caroline loves her family, and often expressed her love in abundance.

Cooking has been a passion for Caroline, and it wasn’t unusual for her to have 3 or 4 crock pots overflowing with deliciousness for any family event. She loved to buy little gifts and trinkets, especially for the children. Caroline was a wonderful homemaker, and she always used her creativity to think of ideas that her husband Lou could work on to make the house more and more precious and lovely. Caroline also loved her friends, and maintained several friendships all through her life, from early childhood. She loved to talk to her friends on the telephone, often while baking or cooking.

Caroline was born in the flats of Trafford in 1936. She went to school in Trafford and graduated from Trafford High School. Caroline received continued training at May Sterns, and Bell Telephone Company. She also worked in high school at the Pink and Blue Shop in Trafford and as a secretary for her beloved Father Thomas Gillen at Saint Regis Catholic Church. Caroline was a true domestic engineer for many years as her family grew. When her girls left home, Caroline worked for Sherm Edward’s Candy making candies, and then at Nigro’s in Trafford as a seamstress.
Caroline has many interests that were expressions of her joy. She loved to paint, and at one time painted her outside steps all different colors. She sang in the church choirs at Saint Regis, and Saint John’s in Latrobe. She sewed almost all of her daughter’s clothes as they grew up, and kept them in step with all the newest fashions. Caroline, Lou and both of their daughters were Square Dancers for a period of time. Caroline won several awards, including for square dancing in a swimming pool and while marching down Route 22 in a bicentennial parade! Caroline was successful as a clown. She started at the church festivals, but became so popular that she was requested for other gigs, too. Her talents with costume making were often requested, too. From award winning Halloween costumes, to everyday wardrobe essentials.

Caroline was a judge for the PJAS Science competition for a very brief period of time, and then contributed socially to the events.
Throughout her life, Caroline maintained her deep devotion to her husband Lou, and they always held hands as they talked and planned, created and loved. She was very beautiful, inside and out. She had a smile that would light up the room and the darkest day. She loved to hug and she loved people. Even when shopping, Caroline would make friends with the people in line, and they would end up laughing and hugging! Caroline kept her gorgeous white hair freshly combed, and always wore rose colored lipstick, and, as she would remind us, “fix your eyebrows and stand up straight! “Caroline loved life. And above all, Caroline loved her God and His mother. She fully relied on them, and she often said, “Our Lady in Blue, see you through!” 

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 2-7 PM in the John M. Dobrinick Funeral Home Inc., 702 7th Street (State Rt. 130) Trafford 412-372-3111.  All are invited to celebrate Caroline’s Life at a funeral Mass on Saturday at 10:30 AM in the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 4202 Old William Penn Highway Murrysville.  If attending please go directly to the church.  Burial will follow in the Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.  To leave a condolence please visit www.dobrinickfhinc.com.