Nancy Bowman

Nancy Joan (Bevan) Bowman, 77, of Traverse City, died peacefully in her home at Riverview Terrace Apartments, where she had enjoyed her friends and her view of the Boardman River for the past 13 years; she was a Traverse City resident for the past 20 years. Nancy was born Feb. 14, 1934, in Ferndale, to parents, William and Blanche (Sanders) Bevan.

Nancy married George R. Bowman on Aug. 11, 1952, and remained married for 26 years. Much of their married life was spent in Flushing raising their children, Dawn E. (Bruce) Horning, of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Kimberly A. Bowman, of Traverse City, and George W. (Tracy) Bowman, of Clarkston. “Nana” loved and treasured her time with grandchildren, Natalie, Nicolas and Harrison Bowman, of Clarkston, Daniel K. Miko, of LaCrosse, Wis., Paul W. (Christy) Horning and great-grandchild, Paul W. Horning Jr., of Tewksbury, Mass.

Nancy is also survived by her loving brother and sister, Harold Todd Bevan, of San Francisco, Calif., and Cathleen (George) Jordan, of Laguna Woods, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Blanche (Sanders) Bevan; brothers, Lloyd and David Bevan; and sister, Marylou (Wallace) Metcalf.

Nancy found great strength and spiritual growth during her affiliation and work with the Trinity Episcopal Church in Flushing, where many of her dearest friendships were formed, such as Shirley (Jim) Parkhurst and their children, Kim, Jim and Nancy (her namesake).

In the early 1980s, Nancy was a forerunner in the development of Women’s Support programs, becoming the Director of Informal Education for the Everywoman’s Center at the YWCA in Flint.

Having performed in numerous high school plays and musicals, Nancy’s love of the performing arts led her to develop a vast collection of music and movies.

After turning 50-years-old, she moved to Los Gatos, Calif., to be near her brother, Todd, where she spent seven splendid years touring the country with family and visiting some of her favorites places, like Yosemite, Carmel and the Lone Cypress.

She became a china and crystal consultant for Macy’s in San Jose, Calif., and after moving back to Traverse City, she held positions in interior decorating and became a Bridal Consultant for Hudson’s, retiring in 2002.

Nancy, our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend is truly a gem to be treasured.

Per Nancy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Nancy’s family will remember her privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Women’s Resource Center, 720 S. Elm St., Ste. 2, Traverse City, Michigan 49684; or the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association, 7000 Oakhurst, Clarkston, Michigan 48348.

Please visit Nancy’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guestbook and share a message or memory with her family.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home to handle the cremation.