Janet B. Bowen

Janet B. Bowen, 74, of New Britain, passed away peacefully June 6, 2026, at Jerome Home in New Britain after a brief illness. A native and lifelong New Britain resident, Janet was a graduate of New Britain High School, Class of 1970, and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Connecticut in 1974. She was employed at the Stanley Works in Corporate Finance and the Hardware Division for ten years. She left Stanley Works to enroll in the Respiratory Therapy program at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center. After graduating from the St. Francis program as class valedictorian, Janet went to work at New Britain Memorial Hospital (now Hospital for Special Care) where she found her life’s true calling. Janet worked as a Respiratory Therapist and later as the Clinical Research Coordinator- Pulmonary Continuum of Care Specialist for 35 years. It was in her role as the founder and leader of the Breathtakers, the Hospital’s Pulmonary Support group, that Janet made the biggest impact on so many lives. Janet’s influence on patients’ lives was described in the words of a long-time coworker and valued friend: “Those of us that had the privilege of working with Janet and knowing Janet will always remember her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Pulmonary Support Group she founded. She created countless opportunities for connection, friendship, and fellowship through the group’s many social activities and special events.” There are cherished memoires of Rock Cats Baseball games, shows at Ivoryton Playhouse and Seven Angels theatre, and Famous Dave’s BBQ. The group’s annual holiday parties at Angelicos were legendary, and their bus trips to Foxwoods Casino were wildly popular. These outings “brought together so many participants and fostered lasting camaraderie.” Janet’s Breathtakers became the largest Pulmonary Support Group in the world. Janet was a valued member of First Church New Britain; a loyal member of New Britain Elk’s Lodge 957; a respected member of the Suburban Woman’s Club of Greater New Britain; and a much-cherished volunteer for Boxes to Boots in Berlin. Surviving is her sister, Carol Bowen of New Britain; her brother, Thomas Bowen and his wife Nancy of Newtown; a niece, Katherine Bowen Kiernan and her husband TK of Prospect; a nephew, Joseph Bowen and his wife Anna of New Milford; and two grand nieces, Reagan and Kennedy Bowen. Beside her parents, William and Cecilia (Gaworski) Bowen, she was predeceased by a grand nephew, Wyatt Bowen. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 11 AM at First Church New Britain, 830 Corbin Ave., New Britain. There are no calling hours. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations which Janet held close to her heart. Boxes to Boots, 100 Harding Street, Suite 108, Berlin, CT 06037 or The SCOTTY Fund, PO Box 1080, Bethel, CT 06801. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com

Janet B. Bowen

April 20, 1952 - June 6, 2026

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Janet B. Bowen

April 20, 1952 - June 6, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

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