Joanne Irene (Bowser) Cole

Joanne Irene (Bowser) Cole, age 80, of Shippensburg, died on Friday, September 20, 2024. Joanne was born on Saturday, August 5, 1944, in Johnstown to the late Benjamin Bowser and Rhoda (Stoudt) Bowser. Joanne was widow of Harold Russell Cole, whom she married on August 16, 1981, and who died on June 18, 2010. In addition to her parents and husband, Joanne is preceded in death by her brother: Carl Bowser and her sister.

Joanne’s survivors include her three children: Danny Shrawder and wife Hipatia “Pati” of Mechanicsburg, Tammy Shields and husband Jerry of Shippensburg, Stephanie Dunwoody and husband Bryan of Mechanicsburg; her seven grandchildren: Tasha Shields, Evan Shrawder, Brandon Shields, Aidan Dunwoody, Kai Dunwoody, Joseph Aguilar, Mia Shrawder; her great-grandchild; Lily Rose Aguilar; her brother: Charles Bowser of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

Joanne graduated from Mahanoy Joint High School as part of the class of 1962. She retired from Rite Aid Pharmacy after working many years as a Pharmacy Tech. Joanne was a member of Shippensburg Evangelical Free Church since 2013, where she was involved in Good News Club, and Ladies Bible Club. Joanne enjoyed crafting, including diamond paintings and making unique wreaths from clothes pins. Her leisure activities consisted of watching soap operas, cooking and pay-per-view wrestling. The holiday season was a particular favorite, with decorating being a highlight. Joanne also cherished basement parties and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family and all those fortunate to have been in her life. 

All are welcome to join Joanne’s family at her viewing on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Bob Gray officiating. Burial will follow the service in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill. 

Joanne’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Joanne’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.