Mitzi Bowman passed February 14th, 2020, at Barre Gardens with her family by her side. Born in New York City on July 27, 1924, she was 95 years of age. Over the years she also lived in New York State, England, Connecticut, Nova Scotia, and Vermont.
A dynamic, strong-willed crusader for anything to do with peace and justice, civil rights, solar energy, and Bernie, she was also a passionate anti-nuclear activist beginning in the early ’70s. She went to Music and Art High School in New York City, and then became a Master’s level Librarian. She loved music, was an artist, hiker, lifeguard, animal lover, sailor, and organic gardener. She loved singing with her three sisters, and lively political arguments. She joined the Air Force at 19-years-old during WWII where, stationed in Alabama, she taught the soldiers to swim. Widowed twice, she died on Valentine’s Day, as did her second beloved husband, Pete, years before when they lived in New Haven, Connecticut.
She is survived by her daughter Lori Bowman and partner Andy Harris of Montpelier, Vermont, her son Jason Bowman and his wife Beth, her granddaughter Marin Bowman, her partner Chris Winter, and her great-grandchildren Fiona and Shea Winter of Plainfield, Vermont. She leaves a younger sister, a 106-year-old cousin, three nieces, one nephew, their partners, one grandniece and 3 great-grand nephews in New York City. She was predeceased by her parents Lena and Joseph Silver, first husband Hy Bogursky, second husband Peter Bowman, and her sisters Buelah Lehrman and Lucille Weinstat.
A small memorial for family and close friends will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name would make her very happy if given to the Bernie Sanders Campaign at 1 Church Street, 3rd Floor, Burlington, VT 05401 or to 350.org Vermont environmental group at 179 S. Winooski Ave #201, Burlington, VT 05401.
