Mavis Frances (Bowen) Chico, 84 passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 31, 2012 with her husband of 61 years and family by her side.
She was born at home January 11, 1928 to Charles German and Lillie Florence (Rathbone) Bowen in Houston, Pennsylvania. Mavis graduated from Canonsburg High School in 1946 and the Presbyterian University Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh in 1949. Upon graduating as a registered nurse she worked as staff nurse in Women''s Hospital in Pittsburg and as school nurse in Canonsburg, PA.
On June 10, 1950, Mavis married her high school sweetheart, Robert Alexander Chico and together they raised 5 daughters. In 1963 they moved to Muncie where she was later employed as an infirmary nurse at Ball State University Health Center, retiring in 1990 after 20 years.
Before and after her retirement she worked tirelessly for the High Street United Methodist Church Food Pantry and Samaritan missions and was an active member of the Mary Circle. Mavis was also known as the "Apron Lady" because of her passion for sewing handmade aprons to sell for the missions program at the annual High Street Church Christmas Bazaar and May Breakfast events. She was also a member of the Canonsburg Order of the Eastern Star since 1948.
Mavis and her husband were very active in AAU and USA Swimming and avid supporters of swimming activities at local, state and national levels.
Beyond personal and professional accomplishments, Mavis had a compassionate and accepting heart. She had a way of making every person who entered her life feel as if they were an important part of her own family. We will all feel an empty spot that she had so generously filled for so many years.
Surviving are her loving husband, Robert A. Chico and 5 devoted daughters: Susan (David) Nesper of Casselberry, FL; Beth (Steven Clark) Chico, Muncie; Robin (Michael) Meyers, Media, PA; Emily (John) Kowalski, Muncie; Marcia Chico-Golden, Muncie.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss their grandma are: Gretchen (Mark) Cummings, Gail Nesper, Meredith Kowalski, Alex Golden, Samantha (Jack) Gebhart, Sarah Kowalski, Patrick Meyers, Travis Meyers, Keifer Cummings, Sydney Nesper, and Keirstien (Ryan) Smith.
She also holds special affection for her 2 nieces Zona White and Donna Lowry and nephew Charles Bowen of PA as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Jesse Bowen and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bowen.
The family would like to give special thanks to the caring medical and professional staff of Ball Memorial Hospital ICU, 5th Floor North, and Home Hospice.
Friends and family may call at High Street United Methodist Church, 219 South High Street, Muncie, IN 47305 Saturday, April 7 from 1:00-3:00. Services will be held at the church immediately following calling hours at 3:00 pm with retired Pastor Charlotte Overmyer officiating. There will be no graveside service.
In lieu of flowers and per Mavis'' wishes, the family would ask that memorials be made to the High Street United Methodist Church Food Pantry and Samaritan Mission. Canned good donations will also be appreciatively welcomed.
On-line condolences may be sent to www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com