Donna Cochran Bowman

Donna Cochran Bowman passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the age of 97, after a brief illness. She was born in San Francisco on April 23, 1928, to Lindsey Warren and Donna Cochran. An only child, she spent her early years in San Francisco, before her family moved briefly to Stockton and later to Windy Acres Ranch in Tracy, California. When her parents settled at the ranch, Donna returned to San Francisco as a boarding student at the Hamlin School, where she formed many lifelong friendships with her fellow boarders, connections she treasured throughout her life.

After high school, Donna attended Principia College for two years before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley. At Cal, she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma, where she formed friendships with fellow Kappas that lasted throughout her life. During her college years, she became close friends with Richard Paul "Dick" Bowman. Though they did not date at the time, life brought them back together a few years after graduation. They fell in love and were married in 1954, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly seven decades.

Donna and Dick first settled in Pasadena, where they welcomed three sons: Lindsay "Bo," Paul, and William, who died of SIDS at only six months old. In 1959, the family moved to Hillsborough, California, where they later welcomed two daughters, Victoria and Donna-Moore. Hillsborough became Donna's lifelong home, where she lived for the next 66 years, creating a life shaped by family, animals, tradition, and a refined sense of beauty.

Donna was deeply devoted to her role as a mother and was actively involved in her children's schools and activities. She served as President of the North Hillsborough School Parent Group, started a Camp Fire Girls troop, and served as Den Mother for her sons' Cub Scout pack. In addition to her family, her garden was one of her greatest passions. She joined the Hillsborough Garden Club in 1969 and served in many leadership roles, including President. Her deep knowledge and dedication to horticulture led her to become a judge in the Garden Club of America's judging program, where she ultimately earned the distinction of Judge Emeritus. Her home and garden were her pride and joy. Donna believed a proper home was never complete without animals, most often a Maine Coon cat or two and, invariably, a Great Dane. For more than 70 years, that gentle presence was a constant and deeply loved part of her life.

She was also an active member of the Francisca Club and Burlingame Country Club, where she enjoyed lasting friendships and a strong sense of community. During this period, she also became a real estate agent, first at Wright & Co, then Coldwell Banker, before ending her career in the 1990s at Cockcroft & Company.

Donna and Dick loved spending time with their family in Montana and Sun Valley, enjoyed playing golf together at Burlingame Country Club, and, most of all, cherished their Sunday night dinners that became a beloved family tradition. In 2021, Donna lost her beloved husband, Dick, a profound loss after a lifetime of partnership and shared devotion.

Donna is survived by her four children, Lindsey Bowman, Paul Bowman (Christine), Vicky Bowman Lowdon (Todd), and Donna-Moore Abrahamson (Eric); and her five grandchildren, Chelsea Bowman, Hunter Lowdon, Catherine Lowdon, William Lowdon, and James Lowdon, all of whom she loved deeply and followed with great interest throughout her life.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held.