Leonora Bergbauer Bower Dykes' Obituary
Bower, Leonora Bergbauer (Dykes) died May 13th, 2014. Born February 8, 1928 in Wahlersdorf, Germany, she grew up during turbulent times. She came of age during World War II and witnessed mass destruction of her country just as she was coming into womanhood. After the war she met and married Joseph Adam Bower, himself displaced by the war from his home in East Prussia. In 1951 with a small baby boy in their arms, they immigrated to America to seek a new start ad better opportunity. They came through Ellis Island like so many before and after. They soon settled in St. Petersburg, had two more sons and raised a wonderful family. Joseph Bower, having suffered injuries and terrible conditions in the war, died early as a result of poor health in 1975. Nevertheless, all three sons became college graduates and have had successful business careers. In 1980, Leonora married Johnny dykes and they remains married until his death in 1998. She subsequently began to suffer poor health. Leonora was a woman of unbelievable will and courage, yet one of great compassion. Her love of animals was legendary. Even her death was an act of unsurpassed will. There will never be another Leonora, loved by her family and forever missed. She is survived by her sons Peter, Edward, and Joseph; daughters-in-law Karen, Judy and Jackie; granddaughter Nancy and her husband Joseph Bachana along with great-grandchildren CiCi, Roxy and Zack. In addition, she has a sister, Klothilda Angeli and extended family in Germany.
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