Jean (DeStefano) Bowker

Jean M. (DeStefano) Bowker, 80, of Worcester, passed away surrounded by the family she loved Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Jean was born in Worcester, the only child of Antonio and Velia (Zamarro) DeStefano. She was raised in the Italian neighborhood off Shrewsbury Street. She graduated from North High School, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Umass Amherst and her master’s degree in education from Worcester State. Jean went on to have a satisfying career in the Worcester Public School system as an elementary and special education teacher for over 20 years before retiring.

She is survived by the family she cherished, three children, John C. Bowker of Portland Maine, Laura J. Bowker-Delbou and her husband Michael of Grafton, David A. Bowker and his partner Colleen Negrotti of Framingham; a granddaughter Taylor; and extended family and friends.

She was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel and was a dedicated member of its preservation society and a community volunteer. She enjoyed travel, cooking, and the beaches of Cape Cod. Her most treasured role was as a mother, friend, and neighbor to the people she loved.

A period of calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 19th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. followed by a procession to St Anne’s Church, 170 Boston Turnpike Rd, Shrewsbury, where her Celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 11:30 am. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, Holden Street Worcester or the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury.