Jane Annette Bowles passed away on October 28, 2009 at the age of 94 at her home in Purcellville Virginia, with her son and daughter-in-law at her side. She was born in 1915, the youngest of two daughters of William H. and Anna M. Flynn of Syracuse New York.

Mrs.Bowles lived most of her life in Syracuse, where she went to school, worked, married and raised a family. She attended school in Syracuse and graduated from North High School in 1935. While in high school she met and later married in 1939 her partner of 60 years, Kenneth C. Bowles. Prior to marriage, Jane and Ken became a highly successful ballroom dance team, performing in local exhibitions, recitals and competitions and ultimately winning a statewide championship. Jane later went on to become a dancing instructor, opening her own dance studio in Syracuse. Mrs. Bowles had one child (Kenneth D. Bowles) in 1942.

Predeceased by her husband in 1999, she leaves her son, Kenneth (Jeanne) of Purcellville, and two grandchildren, Kirsten Kidd (Patrick) of Reston Virginia and Kenneth D. Bowles Jr, (Sundance) of Lincoln Nebraska. She also leaves six great grandchildren; Jack, Halle and Erin Kidd and Ethan, Kennedy and Riley Bowles.

Mrs. Bowles and her husband made their home in Syracuse for 55 years during which she was employed by the State of New York for 30 years, retiring in 1977. During their married years her husband Kenneth built a career and reputation as a fine professional actor, director and major driving force for the growth of quality theatre arts in the Syracuse area. Standing solidly behind his many artistic contributions to Syracuse was his wife Jane, who behind the scenes and out of the spotlight quietly made the sacrifices and gave the unwavering support so necessary to the achievement of his life’s passion.

Mrs. Bowles was a lifelong resident of Syracuse until 1994 when she and her husband relocated to Charlestown West Virginia to be close to their son and his family. Following her husband’s death, Jane moved from Charlestown to a new home in Winchester Virginia. In 2006 she moved to Purcellville where she resided with her son and daughter-in-law until her death.

Mrs. Bowles especially loved the Thousand Islands area of New York, where she spent many years as a child and later as a wife and mother building summer memories of family, friends and fun at the family cottage. Never without a twinkle in her eye or a disarming retort, Mrs. Bowles was known for her love of family, her easygoing manner, and her quiet approach to problem solving.

Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home in Winchester Virginia. Services in Syracuse will be private and she will rest with her husband in Onondaga Valley Cemetery. The family would like to thank Evercare Hospice of Sterling VA Visiting Angels of Leesburg VA, St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church of Purcellville VA, and all her compassionate caregivers.

Condolences may be made online at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.