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Jeanne Bowman
09/21/1939 — 11/08/2025
From Richland, WA
Celebration of Life
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Jeanne Bowman
Nora Jeanne “Jeanne” Freer Bowman September 21, 1939 – November 8, 2025
Nora Jeanne Bragg, lovingly known as Jeanne, was born on September 21, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to James Warren Bragg and Audra (Audrie) Bragg.
On June 15, 1956, Jeanne married the love of her youth, Mark L. Freer, in Hollywood, Florida. Together they raised three children – April, Vance, and Elise. The family made their home in Miami, Florida, before moving to Lewiston, Idaho, in 1963, where Jeanne and Mark served as house parents at the Children’s Home for five years. They shared a loving marriage until Mark’s passing in 2001.
Jeanne built a long and meaningful career as an elementary school secretary, taking great pride in her work at Russell Elementary in Moscow and McGhee Elementary in Lewiston. Summers were often spent camping along the Selway River, creating treasured family memories surrounded by Idaho’s natural beauty.
In 2016, Jeanne’s life took a joyful new turn when she met and married her soulmate, Leo Bowman. Together they embarked on countless adventures – traveling by car to all 48 continental states, cruising to Alaska, and exploring New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, London, Paris, Rome, and more. Jeanne was always up for an adventure, and she truly lived the best chapter of her life with Leo by her side.
Jeanne was known for her contagious laugh – the kind that could fill a room with joy. Her pastor was even known to tell jokes during church just to hear her laugh and watch the whole congregation join in.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Leo Bowman, and his family; her siblings Noel Bragg, Butch (Leslie) Carter, Maggie Balint, and Dixie (Matt) Fentress along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children April (Jerry) Meadows, Vance (Rita) Freer, and Elise Freer Kimball; her grandchildren Chad (Terumi) Meadows, David (Ashely) Meadows, Marci (Peter) Barnard, Cassandra (Shawn) Heath, and Marquette (Eli) Green; and her great-grandchildren Tiffany, Tasha, Cash, Tayler, Ian, Bailey, and Brecken. Jeanne also had the joy of welcoming her great-great-granddaughter, Lyla.
Jeanne’s family was the heart of her world. Her laughter, love, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will be forever in our hearts.
“I loved you until the end of your life, and I will love and miss you until the end of mine.” – Author Unknown
Jeanne gave me one of life’s greatest blessings…her daughter, Elise-my best friend! Her laugh truly radiated thru out a crowd! Her “presence” was always felt by those around & her “absence” will be forever too!
Remembering her gregariousness and fondness for fun. She was at Russell when I taught there and at McGhee when I had student teachers there. It was delightful to see her face again, and to have her granddaughter Cassie after that. Saying that schools run in that family is a very big understatement. ❤️
I was glad to be a part of Jeanne’s send off, even from home. Thank you, Leo, for giving her a well-deserved happy second act. Though I’ve not met you, I can tell so much about you by the photos and what was shared.
I’ll miss knowing she is earthside. She was a second mom to me as a growing-up child. That influence is indelible, unforgettable.
Jeanne, “Well done, thou God and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of Your Lord.”
I am so glad our paths crossed and I had the pleasure of knowing you, Jeanne. You really knew how to brighten up a room with your contagious smile and bubbly laugh. It has been a pleasure. Keep shining on us from above.
I’m glad to have known you, Jeanne. You were a kind soul, and I always enjoyed seeing you.
You were one of a kind!🌹
Guestbook for
Jeanne Bowman