June Sowa

June Sowa, Belvidere

June was born June 25, 1930, in Bebington, England, the daughter of Milner and Mildred (Garland) McPherson. Growing up in northern England, June was the third of seven children, and undeniably, the boss of all. One afternoon, while at Haverigg Beach with friends, June caught the attention of a handsome Polish Army soldier, Julian J. Sowa, who was stationed nearby at RAF Military resettlement base in Millom.

It was love at first sight, and the pair were married on May 29, 1948, in Millom, England. June was a seamstress, making uniforms for British forces during WWII and later became a shoemaker at Florsheim Shoes after she and Julian immigrated to America in 1958 ("With two kids and two suitcases!"). June loved her family more than anything and considered motherhood to be her greatest accomplishment. She was immensely proud of her daughters, Christine and Barbara, and found great joy in watching them grow, succeed in their chosen careers, and have families of their own. June will be missed beyond measure by all who knew her, and most of all, by her daughter, Christine (George) Sebek, of Cherry Valley; grandchildren, Christopher (Nicole) Forman, Shannon (Cliff) Watanuki, Vanessa Sebek, Julian (Amanda) Sebek, Leah (Steven) Matuszewski, and Brittany (Michael) Renello; great-grandchildren, Hanah, Alexys, Jason, Cullen, Addyson, Evan, Eleanor, Gabriella, Olivia, and Evelyn; and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband, Julian and daughter, Barbara Sowa-Forman. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Sanctuary Hospice in June's memory.