Rosalie Jean McCarty Bowen

Rosalie Jean McCarty Bowen, 93, of Frederick, Maryland, passed from this life on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Born in New Jersey in April 1932 to Rosalie and James McCarty, she was the wife of the late Rafael (Ray) Bowen of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Jean attended Hood College and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She dedicated years to nurturing young lives where her kindness and warmth left a lasting impression. Jean later became an editor for the State Department and worked for the Washington Post.

Outside of work, Jean enjoyed the arts, travel and sports. She studied photography and pottery making. Jean made many memorable trips with Ray, her beloved sister Jan, her daughters, granddaughter, and friends. She belonged to several sports leagues including tennis, bowling, and racquetball, but she mostly loved golf.

Jean’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her devoted family, her legacy lives on through her two daughters Cheryl (John) and Heather (Rick), both of whom were deeply influenced by her source of strength, guidance and boundless love for her family. Her grandchildren Jessica, Taylor, and Lindsey will miss her sparkling spirit. She is preceded in death by her loving sister Jan and is survived by her dear brother James. Though she has left this world, her light will forever shine through the lives that she has touched.

The family will receive friends at 2:30 on Friday November 21st at Stauffer Funeral Homes at 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick Maryland. Celebration of Life services will follow at 3:00.

Jean was a generous donor to many charitable causes, including the American Red Cross, American Institute for Cancer Research, the Smithsonian, The Nature Conservancy, The Salvation Army, Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, Doctors without Borders, and others. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to a charitable organization of your choice.