Patricia L (Bowden) Capri Adkins

Patricia L. Bowden Capri Adkins

January 7, 1928 - July 26, 2025

Born January 7, 1928 in Butler PA, Patt Bowden Capri Adkins was the third of seven children to James J. Bowden and Florence Keating Bowden.  She grew up in Warren, graduating Villa Maria High School in 1946 where she is fondly remembered, remaining in touch with classmates throughout her life. Patt touched so many lives and is remembered as not only smart and beautiful, but a genuinely classy, graceful lady who always took the high road.  Patt lived by example and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Patt met Edward J Capri, her first husband, at Kent State University, marrying one year post graduation and enjoying 38 years of marriage while raising six children before Ed’s passing in 1988. As in all Patt endeavored, she was involved in many collegiate activities and enjoyed being a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.  Fortunately, Patt fell in love a second time, marrying Charles Adkins in December 2000. They enjoyed a love of travel and spent more than twenty years together until his passing in 2022. 

Ed and Patt were pillars of the community owning five businesses, being active members of their church and in local philanthropies, while lovingly raising their six children. They owned and operated four Mr. Ed’s drive-ins in local Canton in the 1950’s and 60’s, sourcing food from local providers such as fresh meat from Sugerdale, buns from Martin’s Pastries and milk for their sought after shakes from Superior Dairy. While Patt focused on accounting and scheduling, they seamlessly managed this local treasure together. Continuing their community focused entrepreneurship, Ed and Patt opened a golf driving range in North Canton in the 70’s which became a popular local gathering spot for all to enjoy.

A devoted member of Saint Peter’s Church in Canton for more than 70 years, she generously gave her time and resources by delivering communion and counting monies, funding special projects as well as always making herself available to support the needs of her beloved parish community.  For over 30 years, until her cancer diagnosis prohibited her, she was a blood donor at Aultman hospital reaching a record number of patients receiving lifesaving blood.  

Patt was a natural beauty until the moment of her passing, often being compared to Debbie Reynolds.  Beautiful inside and out, her love of life was ever present and exemplified in her community spirit and the many friendships she nurtured throughout her lifetime.  Being a caregiver at heart she was then able to receive, in her final months, extraordinary support from hospice and a myriad of excellent caregivers.  Maricel, Mimi, Monika, Sesi and Nala, among many other hospice colleagues, not only gave Patt care but importantly, heartfelt love and joy.  Patt’s last two years were happily spent in Hawaii and Northern California where she was comfortably surrounded by family, friends and dedicated caregivers who treasured quiet time with her.  Her most loyal, trusted four-legged companion was her beloved Riley.  He was always happily snuggled beside her, giving her endless joy, love and devotion.  We are quite certain both their lives were extended by this magical unconditional love they shared from the day Riley was rescued.   

Preceded in death by her parents, James J Bowden and Florence Bowden; her first husband Edward J Capri and her second husband Charles Adkins; her son Jon Capri; her siblings James Bowden (Gwen), Marianne (Ken) West, Ruth (Ty) Merriman, John Bowden (Lee), Ted Bowden and Michael Bowden (Rosemary).

Survived by her children Dianne Donohoe (JD), Ed Capri (Carolyn), Elizabeth Capri, Phillip Capri (Karen) and Tricia Colella (Sam); Chuck’s children Alex Adkins, Chip Adkins and Claire Loose (Andy); grandchilden Katie Hamann (Chris), Arann Dowdy, Marcos Dowdy, Michael Capri-Dowdy (Angela), Ryan Giovando (Kylee), Nicole Giovando, Adrian Rose, Dan Capri (Katie), Steven Capri; Gabrielle Dzurovin, Ian & Craig Loose, Amy Fruth, Olivia Falk and Jonah Adkins; great grandchildren Dylan and Quinn Hamann; Gabriel Dominguez, Michael Jr, Kennedy, McKenzie, Wyatt & Brooke Capri-Dowdy, Audrey Inderbitzen, Abigail, Madison & Colton Giovando and Ruby Capri.
Please help us celebrate Patt during calling hours on Tuesday, August 12 from 5-7pm at Wackerly Funeral Home in Canton, Ohio.  Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 13th at 10:00am at St Peter Catholic Church in downtown Canton.  Burial will be in North Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Stark County Dog Warden in Canton, Ohio and giving blood.

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