Jo Ann Bowman passed away February 20th peacefully at home on Lummi Island. She was a powerful woman of indomitable spirit who positively touched the lives of a countless many. She was compassionate and caring while always sticking to her principles, taking action, and speaking her mind. Jo Ann believed in doing everything she could to help others and was a consummate philanthropist whose generosity deeply benefited an innumerable number of people.

Jo Ann Bowman was born in Taloga, Oklahoma in 1932 to Josie and Homer Hoyt. The family moved to Longview/Kelso Washington when she was young. Her childhood was positive. She had many fond memories of her parents and siblings living on their stump farm. Jo Ann graduated high school and attended Western Washington University where she met her husband, Jack Bowman. They had 2 sons and following Jack’s graduation from Western, moved to Forks WA where Jack became a music teacher. This was the first step in a series of career and life moves that eventually saw them move to California where Jo Ann completed her bachelors degree and became an elementary school teacher. Many years and moves later Jack and Jo Ann had traveled the world, found great success, and built deep relationships with countless friends and family members. Jack and Jo Ann then retired to Lummi Island, WA where they enjoyed the company of their friends and family and built many more fine relationships. They maintained deep ties with Western and once, while giving the commencement speech, Jack surprised Jo Ann by changing his speech to extol the importance of finding a great partner in life. Jo Ann stood up and took a bow. This was a very tangible expression of the values she held and the life she lived.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents Josie and Homer, siblings Gayle, Onis, and Evyonne, husband Jack, and son Dan. She is survived by her son Pete, grandchildren Sam and Josie, great grandchildren, and many extended family members with whom she was very close.

A memorial service will be held on April 12th at 2:00pm at the Gathering Place on Lummi Island. In lieu of gifts or flowers please make a donation to the Lummi Island Heritage Trust or Lummi Island Fire Department in her name.

Memorial Service

Apr

12

The Gathering Place

3913 Legoe Bay Rd
Lummi Island, Washinton 98262

2:00 PM