Obituary of Joyce Marie Zwoboda Bowen

Joyce Marie Zwoboda Bowen, 86, of Freehold passed away on Sunday October 28, 2018. She was born in the Bronx, New York and has resided in Freehold for the past 60 years. Everyone knew Joyce as the principal's Secretary at Freehold Borough High School for 35 years, a job she loved tremendously. She prided herself on remembering the names of each and every student come and gone, with every chance encounter in local downtown Freehold. There wasn't a person who didn't love and remember her, as she often heard "Mrs. Bowen you haven't changed a bit." She was one of a kind and a very special soul with nothing but love and magic to hand out. She touched the lives of so many with that love and stardust. She is predeceased by the love of her life of 67 years, Richard William Bowen, who she is now reunited with. Joyce and Richard had a bond that speaks to every element of eternal love. She was also predeceased by her beloved nephew, Gene DePugh. Joyce is survived by her two children, Rick Bowen and his wife Maria, her daughter Laurie Bowen DiStasio, her two grandchildren, Lindsay Marie DiStasio and Jodee Richard DiStasio, sister, Alma Dowling, her caring niece, Lisa DePugh with life partner Mary Kennedy, two nephews Eric & Steve DePugh, and a list too long to name of truly special friends who have always been by her side, you know exactly who you are. She was the heart of the family and devoted to her two grandchildren Lindsay and Jodee as they grew up. They traveled with her and their grandfather, Papa, to many places both in and out of the country, as it was because of the world and ignite the wanderlust in their eyes. She loved all her family and friends as they were the same. Her circle runs long, as she spread peace and love to all she met. They will always miss her as the whole family will, always and forever and ever. Joyce & Dick will now once again be celebrating their marriage & lifelong love in their reunion. as we will all be loving them both, always. Visiting hours will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.