Barbara Marion Bowie (Tilley)
Mom was born January 23, 1925 in Oahu, Hawaii to William and Dorothy Tilley. She was the second generation born in the islands. Her grandparents arrived from the mainland (San Francisco) before the turn of the century and Barbara’s grandfather became the first pharmacist in Hawaii. During her youth in the South Pacific she attended an all-girls Catholic school on one of the smaller islands because her mother died giving birth to what would have been another sibling, so she was sent away for her early education. Barbara had two older brothers Wade and Gordon, who preceded her in death.
On December 7, 1941 Barbara, a junior in high school, along with thousands of civilians and military personnel, took cover during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She was unable to continue high school and went to work to support the war effort (graduating later with her first-born son in the audience).
During the war Barbara met and married Harry Janot (Sergeant, AF) and she had her first son, Harry. Later divorcing, she met and married Robert W. Bowie in 1949, and in 1951 Barbara Ellen Bowie was born. Moving to the mainland (San Jose) in 1951 Bob and Barbara continued to strengthen their family with hard work & big dreams. In 1953 the family moved to Southern California (Van Nuys) and Bob managed 3 dry cleaning plants until they moved to Santa Barbara in 1954. They bought the Vogue Cleaners on Milpas St. in partnership with Bob’s father Ray. In 1955 Bryan Edward Bowie was born and the family was complete. Many good years with family and friends throughout Santa Barbara are remembered by all.
Mom was a member of the Women’s Club and the Soroptimists and also a member of the Milpas Merchants. Later in life mom spent much of her time attending bible classes and providing decorations for the monthly senior luncheons at the Free Methodist church on the Mesa. She was an avid reader and Christmas was her favorite time of the year.
Her husband Bob preceded her in death in 1995. She is survived by her son, Harry Bowie (Carol), daughter Barbara Glass (Ron), and son Bryan Bowie (Elaine), grandchildren Joyce Brisby, Janice Bowie (Gary Lynd), Regan Livingstone (Chris), Michelle Margolies (Zach), Brandon Bowie, Josh Bowie and great grandchildren Chelsey Gold (Todd), Leah Brisby, Hannah Brisby, Easton Bowie, Ella Bowie, Jack Livingstone, Keaton Livingstone, Morgan Margolies and great great grandchildren Wyatt Gold and Bowie Gold.
Contributions may be made to ASAP Animal Shelter Assistance Program in Barbara’s name. The family is planning a private burial at a later date. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.