Sara Jane Bowman left this earthly realm on March 31, 2018. She was born November 3, 1949, to June and Bill Bowman in Pueblo, Colorado, but grew up in Ogden and later in Moab. Sara is survived by her brother, Michael; longtime partner, Barbara; nieces and nephews and her many friends.
Sara lived with severe MS during the last 21 years of her life and resided in nursing homes for several years. The last three years were spent at the Avalon Rehabilitation Center in Salt Lake City. Although MS left her in a quadriplegic state, she remained positive, as well as interested in people and all things beautiful and intellectual. During her stay at Avalon and among the myriad of workers crossing her path, she made many friends who were very sad to see her go.
Sara was community-minded. In 1979, she operated a child care business out of her home. Sara had the most amazing old-timey and creative dress ups and furniture, which provided a plethora of creative play opportunities. She also offered creative art projects, good home-prepared food, and lots of field trips to the less frequented swimming holes and hiking gems in the area of that time.
In the early 80s, her good friend Conrad Sorenson formed a food cooperative, of which the beginnings took place at Sara’s house. Conrad’s grassroots creation eventually moved to a few different storefront locations and is now known as Moonflower Community Cooperative.
Sara went on to living and breathing the local theater scene with Gene Roberts as her partner. She acted in one of the many professional plays of the time.
Sara eventually found her roots back in education, living and working with Barbara Galler, and joining Barbara’s “Salt Lake Institute of Learning,” which was a wildly creative and intellectually stimulating school for children. She continued her career and gift of helping children learn, until she could no longer work. She and Barbara then moved to Moab, where they developed friends and acquaintances together. Eventually, Sara’s care became too much for one person and she needed to be moved to Salt Lake City.
August Brooks was instrumental in much of Sara’s life during this time. He helped her in a variety of ways over the years, including driving her to Salt Lake City and helping her move. There are many others that were part of Sara’s life.
Sara graciously donated her body to the University of Utah’s Body Donor Program for study and science pursuits. Her cremains may not be available for up to two years. A service will be held (to be announced later) in celebration of her life.
Sara was an outstanding example of how one can take lemons and make lemonade. She will be missed by many.
