Susan Genevieve Bowman

Susan "Sue" Bowman, 1948-2026

Susan Genevieve Bowman passed away in the early hours of July 13, 2026, after a grueling 15-year journey with dementia. While the disease slowly stole pieces of her memory, it never took away the impact she had on those fortunate enough to know and love her. Her family finds comfort knowing her mind is now healed and she is at peace.

Sue was born on July 31, 1948, in Waterville, Maine, to Manley and Rita Dixon. In 1968, she married Harold Bowman, beginning a marriage built on adventure and unwavering commitment. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Tracy, in 1973.

In 1987, Sue, Harold, and Tracy packed up their lives and headed across the country to the wilderness of Trapper Creek, Alaska. It was a bold adventure that reflected Sue's quiet strength and her ability to make a home wherever life took her.

In 2000, Sue and Harold began another chapter when they followed their daughter and her family to Walkertown, North Carolina. There, Sue spent the remainder of her life embracing her most treasured role of all, "Nana." She was a steady source of love and support through life's joys and challenges, always putting her family first.

Sue found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved playing Scrabble with her sisters, working on puzzles, getting lost in mystery thrillers, and traveling with friends in their motorhome and spending time in the kitchen baking cookies, cakes, and pies. She loved Elvis Presley and the British Broadcast Channel. She was a homebody but could never say no to a vacation- a trip to the mountains or beach.

Above all, Sue's greatest joy came from the people she loved. She leaves behind her husband of more than five decades, Harold; her daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Doug; her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Taylor and Reid; her great-grandson, Jack; her siblings, David, Dot, Dodie, and Alan; and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Though dementia changed the final chapter of Sue's story, it does not define the life she lived. She will be remembered for her loving heart, resilient spirit, delicious meals, and her quirky humor that brightened everyday moments. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the family she so deeply loved.

In accordance with Sue's wishes, she will be cremated. Her family will gather for a private service next month, followed by a Celebration of Life. Next summer, her ashes will be spread in Alaska with views of Denali- a location that always held a special place in Sue's heart.