Obituary of Joan Chandler Bowes

Joan Chandler Schmidt Bowes, 90, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Morgantown, WV. She was born on May 6, 1930, in Celina, OH, the daughter of the late William Eldoris and Ouida Nadine (Parten) Chandler. Leaving her Michigan home of more than 60 years, Joan moved to Morgantown's Village at Heritage Point in 2014 to be near her daughter, Dr. Rebecca Schmidt (Abel) and son-in-law, Daniel Abel, who survive along with her son, John Schmidt (Mary Hannington) of Detroit and stepson, Timothy Bowes (Brenda) of Rochester, Michigan. Also surviving are siblings, William Chandler (Portland, Oregon) and Mary Leak (Temecula, California); grandchildren, Christopher Puidokas (New York City), Cole Bowes (Rochester, Michigan), Justin Zajdel (St. Clair Shores, Michigan) and Carissima McDonald (Holly, Michigan), and nieces and nephews, Steve, Marcia and Gus Chandler of Nashville, Jennifer Padgett (Scott) and David Leak of Temecula, Karen Chandler (Tony) of Denver, John David Chandler (Rhonda), Kristin Walsh, Tracy and Lisa Beth Chandler, all of Portland. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bowes (1997); her stepdaughter, Catherine Zajdel (2019); her former husband, John Schmidt (2007); and brothers, Jack (1977) and James Chandler (2013). Growing up in southeast Missouri, Joan graduated from Central College in Fayette, Missouri, with degrees in piano and voice. Her life was built around sharing her passion for music with others, first as a school music teacher and later as a teacher of piano to hundreds of students for many decades. A performer of piano and expert accompanist, she found great joy in playing four hand piano and accompanying singers and instrumentalists, traditions she continued while living in Morgantown. Widely known for her sight-reading prowess, Joan was active in community and church theater, serving as the musical director for innumerable musical theater productions. Playing the early Sunday service for her home church in Birmingham, Michigan, (Redeemer Lutheran) was her honor for several decades. Joan delighted in sharing the joys of music with those at Heritage Point, where she felt peace and the care and compassion of those surrounding her. Hastings Funeral Home/Omega Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. A celebration of Joan's life will be held at a later date. Donations in honor of Joan may be made to The Village at Heritage Point Employee Appreciation Fund, One Heritage Point, Morgantown, WV 26505. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com