Christine Bovee, nee Borowy, age 73, of Collinsville, IL, born on June 27, 1951, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.
Christine came from humble origins. She was the first person in her family born in the United States. Her Polish parents immigrated with their two sons to Illinois following World War II. She was raised in French Village, Illinois. Her father worked in the meat-packing industry, and her mother stayed home caring for Christine and her two older brothers. Christine graduated from East Side High School in East St. Louis, Illinois. She enjoyed playing field hockey as a student.
As a young adult, Christine joined her mother in working at a shoe accessory factory in St. Louis. Christine’s best friend introduced her to the love of her life, William Bovee. After about a year and a half of courtship, they decided to marry and remained happily married until her death. They treasured 54 years of marriage together. Christine and William moved to Collinsville, Illinois with their two kids in the early 1980s. Christine began her more than 20-year career working at Kruta’s Bakery. She was a hard worker who really valued the camaraderie she shared with her coworkers.
Following her retirement, Christine enjoyed spending time with her husband and helping to care for their grandsons. She spent her time gardening, going on walks, baking, and taking scenic drives. She had a strong love for nature and would always show her appreciation for wildlife by sharing stories of the birds that visited her feeder or the groundhog that crept into her garden. Christine enjoyed the simple things in life and was a very down-to-earth person.
Christine was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She always helped her parents with their needs. She worked in partnership with William to raise a family and supported her children in pursuing their interests and education. Christine overcame her fear of flying to visit her newborn granddaughter in another state, and she cheered on her grandsons at their sporting events and school functions. Family was at the core of her life, and she gave freely of herself to support those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Irene, nee Mech Borowy; and her brothers, Richard Paul Borowy and John Joseph Borowy.
Christine is survived by her husband, William Bovee; her daughter, Jacqueline (Gary) Groce; her son, Benjamin (Betsy) Bovee; and her grandchildren, Semele Groce, Theodore Bovee and Owen Bovee.
A Gravesite Service will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 1:45 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
