It is with heartbreak and sadness that we announce that Monica Lee Pannell Bowden Burkholder died peacefully on August 1, 2024, in Cibolo, Texas. Monica was born February 12, 1969, at Big Bend Memorial Hospital in Alpine, Texas, to Dr. Bob Pannell and Dr. Mary Sue Kimmey Pannell.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Sue, and is survived by her father, Bob of Boerne; husband Steve Burkholder, sister Angie Pannell Mullins (Jerry); all of San Antonio; daughters Taylor Bowden-Gray (Austin) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sarah Bowden of Shertz and Shannon Bowden of Seguin; and her niece Katie and nephew Scott of San Antonio. She also leaves behind her best life-long friends Christine, Denise, Heather, Jamie and Marcy, all from Alpine.
Growing up in Alpine, Monica made many lifelong friends and was a proud Fighting Buck. In high school, she was active in band, excelling at the French horn and later led the AHS band as drum major. Monica was active in one-act play and debate competitions and was an integral part of the Lady Bucks golf A-team and helped lead the team to win the state championship in 1987. After graduating from AHS, Monica attended Angelo State University where she was a member of Tau Beta Sigma – Delta Tau and obtained a medical technology degree in 1992, relocated to San Antonio, where she married her first husband, Eric Bowden, with whom she had many happy years along with their three daughters. Monica continued to live in San Antonio and worked as a cytopathologist until her passing.
Monica had a rich life filled with family and she cherished her time with all of them. Her three incredible daughters, Taylor, Sarah and Shannon, were her absolute pride and joy. They were the light of her life, and they inherited her warmth, humor and contagious energy. Monica had a knack for turning even the most mundane moments into adventures, and her daughters continue to spread her spirit and joy in everything they do. Monica and Steve were married on New Year’s Eve in 2013. Monica was Steve’s sweetheart and sunshine, and he will forever cherish the time they spent together.
Monica was adored not only by family, but also many friends. Fittingly, she was referred to as “Momica” by many who she held dear in her heart. She was the light and life of every party, and it only took one look from Monica to bring laughter to a room. Her quick wit, infectious humor, and directness made her a memorable character in every room she entered and every life she encountered. Whether she was cracking jokes or sharing a new “Pannellism,” Monica’s presence was always met with hilarity. Monica was blessed with many talents and had many hobbies including hitting around the golf ball, participating in orchestra, playing blackjack, watching and identifying birds, traveling with friends, singing karaoke, supporting the Spurs, watching “Schitt’s Creek” on repeat and relentlessly quoting Nandor the Relentless. We’ll remember Monica long after she’s left us with smiles and laughter. Rest easy, Monica knowing you’ve left us with countless happy memories and a spirit that will continue to brighten our days.
A service will be held on August 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Boerne, Texas.