Nancy Ellen Bowman

1942 - 2020

Talented Artist, Beloved Wife, Mother, and Friend

Nancy, 78, of Morgan Hill, California, passed away at her home on November 15, 2020 after a fierce battle with ovarian cancer. Her final days were spent with those she loved. Her last breath was taken in the arms of her children.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Charles and Marjorie Stewart, Nancy was a beloved big sister to brothers Charles, Robert, John, and Terry. At age seven, the family moved to Southern California. The first in her family to go to college, she graduated UCLA with a degree in Education and a teaching credential in hand. In 1964, she married William Hiller and settled in San Jose, California. Together they had three children, Stephen followed by twins Michelle and Melissa. She created a beautiful home filled with love, laughter, gourmet food, and an endless supply of encouragement to her family and friends.
Though lifelong friends, Nancy and Bill's marriage ended and she fell in love again and married Robert Bowman in 1978. The two families blended gifting Nancy two more children, Robert and Mary Beth, along with a new friend in Mary, their mother. The two families bought a historic, tree filled property, graced with fountains and an abundance of rockwork in Morgan Hill. The families remained close and ended up with houses walking distance apart, where they made a life filled with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and fun.
Though her father had encouraged becoming an educator due to its practical nature, Nancy would go on to discover her true calling -- the visual arts. From developing new areas on her property, each named and themed, where one could go to reflect or just enjoy a picnic or a simple cup of tea, to capturing beautiful moments in her travels as a photographer, which she made into cards and sold in boutique stores all over Northern California, Nancy graced us with her artistry and joy. Nancy's most enduring artistic legacy will be her sculptures, which have been displayed in galleries in America and Europe and which continue to be sold in galleries in Carmel, California. Nancy's bronzes embody pure feminine beauty in her willowy and statuesque figures. They will forever be a testament to her lovely and enduring spirit.
A great listener, friend, and simply a wonderful and beautiful person, Nancy is survived by her spouse, three brothers, four children, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in her honor to St. Jude's Hospital for Children.The family will hold a memorial service on her property in the Spring, when her garden is at its best.