Born and raised in San Francisco, Calif., Betty passed away suddenly on January 15, 2007.

She graduated from San Francisco State University. While teaching in Lafayette, Calif., she married William "Bill" Bowman. They moved to Normandy Park in 1963. Betty taught in the Highline School District and then became a Systems Analyst for Boeing for 11 years.

Betty will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She knew the value of spending time with family, be it giving her grandkids piano or art lessons, teaching them how to bake a cake, or cheering them on at soccer games and swim meets. Holidays and birthdays at her house were a treat for all. Her other interests were many and varied: traveling to Europe with Bill, flying seaplanes over San Francisco Bay, skiing with the Backsliders, playing bridge, working out at the YMCA, or shopping with friends.

Betty was actively involved in the community her whole life. She was a volunteer at Swedish Hospital's First Hill campus for the past 11 years, an Ombudsman for Wesley Gardens, and was president of both the PTA and the Garden Club. Her teaching skills helped her become one of the pioneer coaches of Washington State Girls Soccer in the 1970s, building two state championship teams.

Betty is survived by her husband of 45 years, William; her daughters Kim Smerekanych (Michael) and Brett Bowman; her son William Bowman Jr. (Lisa); her granddaughters Samantha, Kiele, Nicole, Alexandra, Sasha and Eva, and her grandson Tom.

Memorial services were held January 23 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Burien. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Betty to Swedish Medical Center First Hill Campus Volunteer Services, 206-386-2090, or a charity of your choice.