The Reverend Vivian Lee Bowden, 73, passed away on January 9, 2017 at her home in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by family and friends.
Vivian was born in Washington DC, on February 23, 1943. Moving thirteen times over the course of her childhood was hard, even for an extrovert like Vivi, but it made her compassionate to anyone who could use a friend. Throughout her life, Vivian listened to and fought for the underdog, the vulnerable, and those she felt could use an advocate.
After earning her BS from Stanford University and her MS from Columbia School of Journalism, Vivian worked as a science reporter for Life Magazine. In 1969, she and her husband, Doug, moved to Seattle. There they filled their home, first with two daughters, soon after with two sons adopted from Colombia, and later with students and visitors from around the world. Vivian was a polite but insistent advocate for each of her children, especially when it came to their educations.
In addition to parenting, Vivian contributed her writing and editorial skills to Treaties on Trial: the Continuing Controversy Over Northwest Indian Fishing Rights , by Fay Cohen, a project that launched her lifelong interest in the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest. She also wrote a fantasy young adult novel, long before fantasy young adult novels were mainstream.
After sending her youngest child off into the world, Vivian returned to school and earned her Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. At 53 she launched a new career as a mental health chaplain at Harborview Medical Center and women’s shelters in the Seattle area and she also served as an associate pastor at Prospect Church, United Church of Christ. She reached many with her attentive listening, generous heart, and unwavering support.
At 65, Vivian suffered a stroke. She worked for years to regain her ability to focus, walk unassisted, and strengthen her left side. Always the advocate, she dedicated her time to other stroke victims at Virginia Mason Hospital and was writing a book about her experiences when she was diagnosed with cancer in August.
Vivian will be sorely missed by her four children, Dana, Carlos, Luis, and Julie Bowden; six grandchildren; close friend, Charlie Carley-Ledgerwood, and his husband, Lane; sister, Rosemary Lee, and her children; and of course her pets - Verde, the temperamental parrot and Ali. a loyal Chihuahua. Her passing is also felt by her many friends at Horizon House and her community at Plymouth Church – a place she called home for over 30 years.
Services will be held to celebrate her life on February 23rd at 12:00pm at Horizon House, and on Sunday, February 25th at 2:00pm at Plymouth Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Columbia University School of Journalism or Plymouth Church.