"My thoughts and prayers are with the Wursta and Bowman during this difficult time"
In loving memory of
Kathleen "Cookie" Wursta (nee Bowman)
April 5, 1940 - April 29, 2022
Kathleen "Cookie" Wursta (nee Bowman), 82, of Scottsdale, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 29, 2022. Cookie was born in Cape May, NJ, graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School, and earned her degree in Education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). She was a popular and integral part of her community. Cookie was chosen as high school prom queen, Miss City of Wildwood Crest, and the Cape May County Hydrangea Queen. She got immense joy from helping children learn and taught wherever her husband's career took them including New Jersey, Arizona, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. Wherever she lived she loved to join social groups and treasured the many friends she acquired there. An avid gardener, Kathleen enjoyed reading about and visiting historical gardens. She was a past president of her Garden Club in Pennsylvania and an annual highlight for her and her club was assisting with the Philadelphia Flower Show, the world's largest such event. Family and friends meant much to her, and she enjoyed visiting and staying in touch with them. Kathleen was creative and loved art, antiques, and fixing things. A woman of faith, the spiritual fellowship of her weekly bible study group meant a great deal to her. Kathleen's sense of humor and joy for life will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Effie Bowman and brother Joseph Bowman. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John Wursta, son Stephen Wursta (wife Dara), daughters Jacqueline Wursta, Michelle Daugherty (husband Mark), and four siblings: Bernadette (husband Joe) Longobardi, Cherie Hanscomb (husband Albert Wilson), Ave Russo and Martin Bowman (wife Stephanie).
A viewing will be held at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary & Cemetery at 6500 E. Bell Rd in Scottsdale on Thursday, May 12th from 5-7 pm. The funeral Liturgy will be at 10 am on Friday, May 13th at St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Cathedral at 8141 N. 16th St. in Phoenix. The burial and a reception will follow at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary & Cemetery in Scottsdale.
Kathleen was a lifelong animal lover with a generous and compassionate heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in her name to your local animal shelter or rescue operation.
For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at the following link: https://stsbcc.org/media/live-stream
Tributes
"I did not know her nick name was "Cookie". Kathleen was a regular participant at our Cardia Rehab Exercise Class in Scottsdale and was loved by all of us. On behalf of myself I wish to send my heartfelt love to Jack and her children. She worked out on the treadmill right in front of me for the last 5 years and we had a fun time together at the gym. We will miss her smiling face and great personality. May she rest in peace and have a wonderful reunion with her Mom and Dad and her brother Joe in the Heavens above. God Bless You All. Cookie, I will miss you. You re a special friend. Brian Hutchinson Scottsdale, AZ "