Vicki Reynolds Bowman

Vicki Reynolds Bowman, age 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 7, 2021, in Baltimore, MD, following a long and hard-fought battle with COPD, which she faced with her signature grace and determination. From her birth in Stevenston, Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom, on October 4, 1937, to her death on Saturday, she inspired everyone with her PMA (positive mental attitude), always reminding us in times of difficulty that “this too shall pass.”

Known to her friends and business colleagues as Miss Vic, she will always be Mimi, Mom, and of course “Momface” to her family.

Born in a small rural town in Scotland to Patrona and William Reynolds, she was the oldest of three girls. Wanting to see more of the world, at the tender age of 20, she emigrated to the United States as a Nanny. She settled in with a family in Greenwich, CT, where she met and married her husband Theodore Ripley Bowman on December 27, 1958. Vicki and Ted, in turn, sponsored Vicki’s mother Patrona and her two sisters – Theresa and Carol, to come to the United States.

Vicki worked most of her life in the banking industry – starting on the teller line – but her quick wit, kindness, and attention to detail (she could always balance her drawer to the penny!) helped her get quickly promoted to a customer service manager “on the platform.” When the 1990s ushered in an era of large bank mergers, a group of investors wanted to return to “hometown” banking and recruited Vicki as their first employee, who they dubbed their “Six Million Dollar Woman” in recognition of her ability to attract new customers and deposits.

Vicki truly lived life to the fullest and taught her children that anything was achievable through hard work and perseverance. A life-long reader, she enjoyed watching TV detective shows and Tiger Woods playing golf, listening and dancing to Neil Diamond, and “digging in the dirt” – she took great pride in her lawn and gardens. Although she did not become an American citizen, she was fascinated by all things political and followed every election with great passion. But the activity that brought Vicki the most joy was spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vicki’s husband, mother, and sisters predeceased her. Left to honor Vicki and remember her love are Vicki’s three children, Sharon Ripley Bowman (Richard Newman), Lisa Anne Ripley Bowman Merkel (Greg Merkel) and David Ripley Bowman (Kelly Heaney Bowman); three grandchildren, Sarah Merkel, Emily Merkel, and Laura Merkel and two great grandchildren, Aubreigh Merkel and Ayden Merkel. Vicki will always be remembered for how she made everyone feel special. A Celebration of Life memorial is planned for the Fall.

The Bowman family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at the Keswick MultiCare Center in Baltimore, MD, specifically Tracy Mabrey, Samuel Misonge, and the entire care team on the Coggins North 3rd floor, as well as the Gilchrist Hospice Group for their attentiveness and loving care in her last months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Vicki’s name to the COPD Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization created in 2004 to improve the lives of people with COPD and other lung diseases through research, community outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Donation Link: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx