Nancy Fowler

1929 - 2021

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Nancy Fowler, 5/2/1929-11/21/2021. Ohio native Nancy Fowler was the oldest child of Rita Reed Fowler and Glen Fowler, who predeceased her. Dr. Fowler is survived by a brother, John Fowler of New York, New York, and many beloved students and friends.

Nancy Fowler served on the Florida State University (FSU) College of Music faculty as a woodwind professor specializing in the oboe from 1955-2003. She enjoyed a vibrant 48-year career as an oboist, pedagogue, and mentor to generations of students at FSU and beyond. Dr. Fowler graduated from Lima South High School in 1947 and earned a B.S. degree in Education, the M.A. in music, and the Ph.D. in music, all from the Ohio State University. Her many professional accomplishments include a Fulbright Scholarship to study with Haakon Stotijn, distinguished principal oboist of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Netherlands (1958-1959), serving as Secretary to the International Double Reed Society (IDRS), and co-hosting two meetings of the IDRS. Dr. Fowler was an active adjudicator and woodwind clinician as well as an active performer throughout the Southeastern United States. She performed in numerous orchestras, including the Jacksonville Symphony, and the Columbus Symphony, and was a founding member of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and the Tallahassee Winds.

In recent years, Nancy generously established seven endowments at the College of Music, ensuring her musical legacy while also honoring her mother, Rita R. Fowler, and colleagues Pamela L. Andrews, Robert N. Sedore, Richard D. Mayo, and Robert T. Braunagel. These endowments provide scholarships and additional support to strings, winds and conducting, as well as the Marching Chiefs. Nancy enjoyed the company of many friends, her evening Manhattan, and watching Ohio State and FSU football games.

In accordance with Nancy's wishes, there will be no service; arrangements are by the Neptune Society (http://www.neptunesociety.com/location/Tallahassee-cremation). Contributions in memory of Nancy Fowler may be made to any of the named funds listed above at Florida State University, College of Music, 122 N. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306.