Barbara Ann Bowerman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker, died on July 8, 2026 at age 85 because of complications following a fall.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Rita (Uzmed) and Lawrence Ashley, Barbara was the oldest of three children. She grew up spending part of each summer at the beach in Tolchester, Maryland, and was educated at Notre Dame Prep and Towson Catholic, graduating with the class of 1958. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

In December 1957, Barbara was introduced to her future husband, David Allender Bowerman, at a DAR dance, a blind date that would shape the rest of her life. They married on April 4, 1959, at Immaculate Conception Church in Towson, and built their family in Lutherville, where Barbara created a warm and safe home for four children.

A gifted seamstress, Barbara sewed clothing for her daughters and handcrafted wedding gowns for two nieces and dresses for flower girls. She enjoyed gardening and kept a productive vegetable garden, canning and freezing the harvest each season. For most of her adult life, she was an active parishioner at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, and for many years, she organized a monthly delivery of casseroles to Our Daily Bread in Baltimore through the church's social action committee.

In 1983, Barbara and Dave purchased the service station that became Ruxton Service Center, where Dave had worked since the age of 16. Barbara served as bookkeeper and administrator, bringing to the role skills she had developed as a bank teller before starting their family. She ultimately oversaw the business for several years after Dave's death until it was sold.

She'll be most remembered for her selfless and tireless care for family members and close friends who faced illness and decline. Gentle and calm outwardly, she was a determined advocate for a loved one in need. Whether the challenge was an undiagnosed malady, a chronic disease, cancer, or death itself, Barbara remained steadfastly at the side of those she loved.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David, who died on January 6, 2008, and her sister Carol, who died in October 2020. She is survived by her brother Robert (Bonnie) of Florida; her children Deborah (Craig) Smith, Diane (John) Wasowicz, David Lawrence (Christina), and Mark (Hilary); and seven grandchildren: Kathleen and Zachary; James, Matthew, and Daniel; Lucas and Colin.

Her circle of devotion extended to a larger family that included David's siblings and their spouses, her cousin and closest friend, Jean (John) Ehret, and the dozens of nieces and nephews who knew they could always count on her for comfort and care.

She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her quiet acts of service, and the warmth she brought to everyone in her care.