Dear Classmates,

It is with profound sorrow that I report the death of Rosie Caserta Bowers. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Dixie Caserta, and a brother and half-sister.

After a long and courageous battle with heart disease, crippling arthritis and other physical problems, Rosie passed away on Friday July 24, 2020. Rosie met these challenges with grace, wit and a determination not to let them overcome her. Rosie is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Jim Bowers, and their son David. She also had several nieces and nephews of whom she was deeply fond, and the affection was mutual.

She was born on November 20th, 1944, in Amarillo TX. Rosie’s mother was from Amarillo and her father was from New Orleans. She often visited her grandmother in New Orleans. This city held a special place in her heart, and her favorite food was any spicy Creole dish.

Rosie attended Wilson Jr. High, and Highland High where she graduated with us in 1963. After graduation, from the mid 60’s to the early 70’s, Rosie was employed at Furr’s Super Market, where she work as the Secretary to the Division Manager.

Rosie was a junior in high school when she met Jim. They went to the Junior Prom in 1962, and the Senior Prom in1963. Jim was bedazzled and never knew what hit him. I think it was love at first sight for both of them, but I also know Jim didn’t have a chance once Rosie had made up her mind! They were married fifty-six years, and I know those years were filled with love and respect for each other.

Shortly after marrying, Jim enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed out of Florida and Rosie loved to go to the edge of the Atlantic and dip her feet in the water. I often wondered if this led to Rosie’s favorite vacations - going on cruises. The last cruise she and Jim took, my husband and I, and Jan and Jack Gilch were with them. Always intensely curious, at our stop in Jamaica, instead of going to look at the tourist trinkets, she and Jim rented a cab. They told the cab driver to take them some place that tourists never saw. He took them up the hill and showed them where he lived. She was deeply moved by the poverty she saw there.

Rosie had big blue eyes which always had a twinkle of mischief, but that twinkle could turn to ire if she thought anybody was saying unkind things about one of her many friends. If so there would come a tirade of words not usually spoken by high school teens!

I first got to know Rosie when we were classmates in Wilson Jr. High. Later, at Highland, Rosie had a large group of friends. However, she and I were nearly inseparable. I remember so many good times we had, particularly after getting our drivers license. How many of you also went speeding along Juan Tabo road before it was paved. We called it Kiss Me Quick Road! Another of our favorite pastimes was gathering along the paved but unused road leaving Kirkland Air Force Base to watch the drag races.

I am sure there are many of you who have funny even outrageous memories of this remarkable woman. Please share them with us.

Katherine Paton Murray