Vivian Cate Bowman

Vivian Cate Bowman, loving mother, dedicated wife, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to many, passed away on November 1, 2022, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at the age of 97.

Vivian was born to Anna Mae and Bill Cate on April 18, 1925, in Quincy, Illinois. She grew up, the second of four vivacious sisters. Her family moved to Los Angeles, California, when Vivian was a teenager.

In California, Vivian attended Fremont High School where she played the clarinet in the band and met the love of her life, Kelly Bowman, trombonist in the band. They were married in 1944. Vivian and Kelly raised three children. In 1961, Kelly was transferred to Charlotte, N.C. and he went ahead of the family, to open the new office. Vivian followed with the children, the family dog, and Vivian's mother, driving across the United States, stopping to camp at State Parks and visiting family. Travel became a source of adventure for Vivian, which she continued the rest of her life.

Vivian and Kelly worked together at their insurance brokerage shop. The business gave them opportunities to travel to China, Africa, Europe, and a slew of wonderful places. The two became grandparents taking their granddaughters on special road trips, letting them choose the hotels, based on which ones had the best pools. 

Her beloved Kelly passed away, in 1990. They had been married for 46 years. Vivian, embracing life, remained active in her church. She was a member of the Charlotte Quilters Guild and an avid weaver of Nantucket baskets. She became a certified scuba diver in her 60s, biked through France at age 78, and she and one of her granddaughters went mountain climbing in Yosemite through an Elder Hostel program. You could find Vivian attending fitness classes regularly at the Dowd YMCA in Charlotte. She continued to work in the family business until she was 90.

Vivian is survived by her son, Steve Bowman (Patsy), daughters Laurie Prevette (Dean) and Darcy Bowman (Freddie Wyndham), two granddaughters Katie Morton (Jon), and Abbie Carson (Chris) and 4 great grandchildren, Jack and Emily Morton and Jasper and Suki Carson that affectionately call her GG (Great Grandma). Vivian was kind, funny, clever, encouraging, and generous. 

A celebration of Vivian's life will be held at Grace Covenant Church, 17301 Statesville Road, Saturday, November 12, 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UNC Hospice in Pittsboro, NC or Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius, NC.