Joanne Elizabeth Risdon Bowie

06/16/1942 – 04/06/2024 

Joanne Elizabeth Risdon Bowie passed away peacefully on April 6, after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Joanne is survived by her husband William Bowie of Ventura, California; her children, Jill Bowie of Kingsburg, California, Julie and Chris Schenone of Livermore, California, and Chad and Michelle Bowie of Ventura, California; her grandchildren Christian, Madison and Alexis Bissett, Colin, Isabella and Juliette Schenone, and William Bowie; her great-grandson Thomas Bissett; and her nephews Donald Risdon of Carpinteria, California and Mark Werber of Coarsegold, California. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lillie Risdon of Carpinteria, California; her brother Jack Risdon of Carpinteria, California; her in-laws William and Hattie Bowie of Ojai, California; and sister-in-law Mina Werber of Ojai, California.  

Born on June 16, 1942, Joanne’s life was a tapestry of selfless love, creativity and joy. She was the cherished wife of William Bowie Jr., sharing 57 years of love and companionship. Their bond was a testament to true love. As a mother, Joanne’s nurturing spirit knew no bounds. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, instilling in them the values of kindness and compassion. She found immense joy in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, treasuring each precious moment spent with them.

Music was a lifelong passion for Joanne. Whether teaching music and rhythm to schools of Ventura and teachers of Belize, or playing piano at Aegis Memory Care, she brought an appreciation of music to all around her. In her professional life, Joanne was a dedicated educator, shaping the minds of countless students over the course of her 25-year career teaching at both Poinsettia and Mound elementary schools. Joanne’s impact leaves an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of learning from her.

Joanne loved her church. She served as moderator of deacons and enthusiastically led the children’s choir for many years.

Joanne was a selfless volunteer, serving Ventura Agriculture Museum as a docent, working with adults and children with special needs in Ukraine and educating the teachers of Belize. She was dedicated to promoting personal and professional growth of women as a devoted member of P.E.O. and Delta Kappa Gamma.  

Joanne was a meticulous chronicler of life’s moments. She kept extraordinary journals, journaling her days growing up on a ranch in Carpinteria, working the front desk at the Old Faithful Inn, flying as an international stewardess for TWA, capturing vacation experiences with family, traveling the world with her husband, documenting funny moments with her children and grandchildren and precious moments spent at the family cabin. Joanne’s journals are a treasure trove of life’s memories. We will miss her dearly.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dawn Bower for her years of caretaking as well as to Livingstone Hospice for their compassionate comfort and support.

A service to celebrate Joanne’s life will be held at Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli St., on April 27, 2024, at 11 a.m., where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and find solace in each other’s company.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that checks be sent in Joanne’s honor to Community Presbyterian Church, Deacon Benevolence Fund, 1555 Poli St., Ventura, California. 93001, or online to Berenice Bernard Music Specialist Scholarship Fund, vccf.org/other-donations. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ventura.