Rita B. Bowman (Cannon), 72, of EHT, NJ, left behind her suffering & found eternal life, on August 31, 2015, surrounded by family at home. Rita was born September 10, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in Galloway, NJ with a large Irish catholic family. Being one of sixteen children, Rita was the eldest sister and mother figure to all, but sadly, sometimes the bigger the family, the bigger the heartache. Six of the original sixteen siblings died unexpectedly, either at birth, or shortly thereafter. As tragic as it was, it only made their family closer and stronger, teaching them that family is everything. Rita was an employee at Bally’s Park Place Casino for over 30 yrs., and truly loved her job and the people she worked with. She always had a welcoming smile, and a kind word for whoever she met, and made lasting friendships with so many, that she cherished every day of her life, making her a legacy in her own right. Sadly after the passing of her beloved grandson, Zack, Rita retired so she could spend more time with her grandchildren & family. Rita is survived by her loving husband of 40 yrs., George, who helped care for her, and was by her side through the roughest days of her life. Rita is also survived by her two daughters, Rita Bowman Jr., and Dolores (Michael) Kraus (Bowman), who cherished every moment they spent together, and will forever remember the love and wisdom she shared with them. Rita also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, who knew her as “Nan Nan”- Raymond, Mikey, Lily, Matthew, Samantha & Carissa, all who will forever cherish her memory and kisses. It broke her heart to leave her family, especially her brothers and sisters- Mary Cromley-her best friend, Kathleen Cannon, her little angel, Noreen (Michael) Prior, Gene (MaryAnn) Cannon, Anthony (Ruby) Cannon, Michael Cannon, and Patrick Cannon. Rita also leaves behind a long line of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Rita is predeceased by her parents, Joseph & Mary Cannon, brothers Joseph Cannon, and William Cannon, her beloved son, Raymond Bowman Jr., and her heart, grandson, Zachary Bowman. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday September 8, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Church, with private burial following at Holy Cross cemetery. Boakes Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Boakes Funeral Home The family would like to extend their thanks to Holy Redeemer Hospice, and their exceptional team of nurses (Theresa) and aides, that helped make the hardest part of our lives much easier, and to Linwood Care Center who also cared for her, and care for her sister, Kathleen. (Linda, Sony, Lauren)