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