Anna Bowman May 30, 1928 - May 18, 2019

Anna passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019 just shy of her 91st birthday. She lingered for less than two days in hospital where she shared her last hours with her family - the great joy of her life. Mother, wife and forever friend to many, Anna always put her faith and her family first. Her capacity to love others from all walks of life was her greatest gift.

She was born in Heidelberg, ON, daughter of Simeon and Barbara (Snyder) Martin, the fifth of six children in a Mennonite home. As a child, she would always choose to work with her father rather than doing domestic work in the house.

Anna married Israel Bowman (deceased 2015) in 1952. She is survived by her five children - Linda (John), Lynette (Jim), Linford (Dale), Raylene (Lance), and Brian (Marianne). Her grandchildren have been a source of great happiness for her as well - Leslie, Andrew (Laura), Heather, Arlen (Mike), Luke, R.J., Chad, and Greg. That she could live long enough to meet her two great grandchildren - Ivo and Jaina - was almost miraculous to her.

Her hands were rarely idle, each child, then grandchild, and even the great grands needed a handmade quilt, a crocheted afghan, and an endless supply of knitted dishcloths. As her eyesight waned, she could still count stitches and keep up her handiwork. She also made lap rugs for ‘the old people’ in her seniors’ complex.

Anna loved people. Her days in the Bowman Weavery in St. Jacobs were fun for her. In retirement she joined many social events where she made new friends and enjoyed the company. Her church family and community were so important to her as well. Anna’s life can be described as one ‘well lived’. She leaves many people with a hole in their hearts where her presence once lived but the love she shared will remain always.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Visitation held at Hanover Mennonite Church, on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 9:30am until time of a Memorial Service at 11 am. Cremation has taken place and a Family Inurnment Service will be held at a later date in St. Jacob's Mennonite Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover.

Memorial donations to the Hanover Mennonite Church or to the Mennonite Central Committee are appreciated as expressions of sympathy.