Loreen Viva Bowen passed away peacefully in Augusta, Maine on January 23, 2026, after a beautiful and strong 57 years sharing her passion and bravery, caring for others, and making the world around her inspired and bright. Loreen was born in Bangor, Maine on August 13, 1968, to Adolfine (Mueller) Bowen and Robert E. Bowen.  She attended Carmel schools and graduated from Hermon High School.

As a child in Carmel, Maine, Loreen enjoyed dressing up and pretending to dance ballet to music played on her beloved mother's stereo. She carried her passion for music and arts through adulthood, meeting many friends through it. 

She enjoyed a job at Casco Bay Lines, as well as several others in previous years living in Portland, Maine, including two radio stations. She had met Donald Ford, her first husband, in Bangor, Maine, and the father of her children, Bobby Machen, in Texas after her brave attempt to ride her motorcycle from Maine to Washington state. Texas is where she landed and stayed for many years, working in marketing at Texas State University. 

Loreen enjoyed a variety of events, including concerts and festivals, eventually involving her beloved children, Devyn and Leia. She settled down, planning adventures for her little ones including horseback riding and pottery painting sessions to name only a few. 

As her illness progressed, she travelled back to Maine to be in the care of her three adored sisters, Rosemarie, Sheryl and Cynthia, and life-long friend Lee, and is now resting in tranquility after a long, hard-fought, valiant battle against cancer. She will be dearly missed by children Devyn Machen and Leia Machen, sisters Rosemarie (Bowen) Muecke and her husband, Erich Muecke, Sheryl Bowen, and Cynthia (Bowen) Rogers and her husband Glen Rogers, nephews and nieces, and dear friend Lee Hamel Tyler and her mother Betty Hamel. She is predeceased by mother Adolfine (Mueller) Bowen, father Robert E. Bowen, and brother Robert H. Bowen. A celebration of Loreen's life is planned for spring. She will always be known for her bravery, kindness, and strength. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com