Mary Jean Bowman

PEORIA- Mary Jean Bowman, 92, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. She was born in Rochester, New York. She was the daughter of John “Jack” and Maude (Fifield) Cole spending her youth in Hamburg, New York. She married Donald W. Bowman on February 19, 1955 in Hamburg, New York. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2004 in Peoria, Illinois. She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Sauer on February 1, 2012.

Mary Jean is survived by one son, Andrew Wayne (Dana Marie Michalek) Bowman of North Canton, Ohio and four grandchildren, Morgan, Ben, Ryan, and Aidan.

Mary Jean received her degree from William Smith College in 1951, and left for NYC with a few dollars and a suitcase. Her first job was on the Perry Como show handing out tickets to servicemen returning from Europe. She also worked at the United Nations in New York City, where she loved to meet all the delegates from the other countries. Mary Jean then backpacked and biked through Europe alone in the summer of 1954, before settling down and marrying Donald in 1955. She and her husband enjoyed many activities together including Sailing, playing Bridge, Yahtzee, and volunteering with numerous charities. Mary Jean was active in the Peoria Historical Society, Peoria Women’s club, South Side Mission, Peoria Humane Society, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum, just to name a few. She was also an active member of the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church. She has been recognized as a generous supporter of many causes including those for animals, education especially for the young, the old, and the less fortunate.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church. The Rev. Cecilia Granadosin will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in the Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Arrangements are by the Davison Fulton Woodland Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Peoria Riverfront Museum. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fulton.com.