Janet H. Bowie

Janet Hilary Bowie passed away on August 30, 2021, finally losing her fight with Parkinson’s, a disease she battled for almost 20 years. She was 74. 

Janet grew up in Swarthmore, the daughter of Dr. Morris and Helen Bowie. She graduated from Swarthmore High in 1965 and loved “everything” Swarthmore. Janet had a tight-knit group of buddies who she loved to be with—good friends since childhood.

Following her graduation from West Chester University, Janet moved to Williamsport and taught Special Education in its area schools for more than 25 years. A homeowner and active member of the community, she was a 30-year member of the Williamsport Board of Health. Typically, she undertook her position with vigor. The local newspaper observed that when she retired from the Board, “it was the end of an era.”

Janet loved to travel. Over the years, she visited 48 of the 50 states, and made numerous trips abroad. She especially enjoyed spending summers in her mother’s family cabin and lodge near Rocky Mountain National Park, and making frequent visits to Bowie, Colorado, on the North Fork of the Gunnison River. When in Pennsylvania, Janet enjoyed attending concerts by The Letterman, a pop singing group known for close-harmony. She rarely missed a concert. And, through thick and thin, she remained a steadfast Democrat, as well as a devoted fan of the Phillies.

In 2004 when Parkinson altered her life, Janet returned to Swarthmore to reside at Plush Mills Senior Living. In 2013, when she needed skilled nursing care, she moved to Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Media, where she resided until her passing. 

At Fair Acres, Janet was well-respected by residents and staff—albeit she could be a royal challenge, particularly when she dug her heels in on an issue that she considered to be worth fighting for. She was a long-time member of its Resident’s Council.

Janet was fascinated by her Scottish ancestors and maintained an extensive history of the Bowie family. She is survived by friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews, as well as her brother Stuart and his wife Bonnie Smith. She was predeceased by her parents and her sisters Sandy Rummel and Margot Hunt.

Janet will be remembered fondly by the hundreds of special students she taught and cared for during her long career. Her family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Fair Acres who selfishly gave her the care she needed, as well as kindness and compassion during those difficult years.

A private service will be held at a later date. Donations in her name can be made to the Swarthmore Public Library, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081.