Mary Margaret Bowman

With great sorrow, the family of Mary Margaret (Edwards) Bowman announces her passing on Nov 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Mary was born with a zest for life anyone lucky enough to know her can tell you. Born June 6, 1928, in Vancouver to the late Edith (Alder) and Gordon Edwards, Mary was raised in Caulfield, British Columbia. In her youth she discovered her love for reading and adventuring the great outdoors with her many cousins and baby brother. Most beloved to her was Hollyburn (Cypress) Mountain and the ocean. She also expressed her passion for life through art and dancing. Her curiosity for the world was infinite.

On one of her adventures, she met the love of her life Ronald Bowman, and they married in 1954 and never wavered. Now the wife of an Air Force officer, her dream to travel and become a mother was realized; Edmonton, Montreal (where Shiralee was born), Zweibrücken Germany (where Wanda and Edward were born), Trenton, Prince George and Aldergrove. Everywhere they went she made lifelong friends. In 1980 they settled in their beloved home in Lantzville where her love for gardening and community work flourished. Her lifelong passion for candid photography and books are present in her home full of copies today.

Although small in stature Mary never let size stop her; she was at home on the water, rowing, sailing or swimming and often found in her garden, kitchen, or at a community event dancing and laughing. She held herself and others to a strong moral code. Her greatest strength was her unwavering presence. Though she did not drive, she attended the performance, the parade, the bedside, if not physically possible written words, gifts or phone calls were abundant.

Mary was a hard worker who never sat down; she held a variety of jobs; BC Tel Operator, maid at The Skyline Richmond, The Villa Hotel, babysitting, preschool teacher. Mary was also a devoted volunteer with many local groups; Ladies Auxiliary Branch 257, photographer for The Log newspaper, The Rose Society, Historical Society, Ladies Book Club and Coffee Group.

Forced to slow down in recent years she often expressed awe at her age and life saying, “Isn’t it marvelous?”. But the marvel was Mary herself who never desired to leave her mark on the world but did so without trying. A life well lived.

Predeceased by many loved ones. Left to grieve are children Shiralee (Tom) Mulder, Wanda (Tim) Cullen, Edward Bowman; grandchildren Eric (Amy) Mulder, Renee (Kristian) Brett, Kelsey (Colin) Blake; beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service to be held at Branch 257 Legion on December 5, 2026, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favourite charity.