Mary L. Bowermaster

Bowermaster, Mary L. passed peacefully March 4, 2011, with her family at her side. Mary was born July 26, 1917, in Wellsville, OH, to Leander and Dulcenia (Hoskins) Bowling. Mary enjoyed a long, good life. She married Donald Bowermaster in 1935. They enjoyed 62 years together, raising 2 sons. Family came first to Mary. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked in the Butler County schools

as a nurses aide. Following treatment for breast cancer at the age of 62, Mary began

her second career as a senior track and field competitor. For over 25 years, she

competed nationally and internationally in both the Seniors and Masters Olympics,

where she set many World Records in track and field events in each age group. She

competed in the Masters Track and Field World Championships in Rome, Melbourne,

San Juan and Portland, Oregon. Mary is a member of the following Halls of Fame -

Ohio Women's (1995), Ohio Senior Citizens (2000), Ohio Senior Olympics (2005), US

Masters Track & Field (2000) and Butler County Sports (1992). She was named the

Greater Cincinnati Women Sports Association Senior Sports Woman of the Year (1997),

US Masters Track and Field Athlete of the Year (1987-89-90-91-2000), Hamilton Journal

News Top Senior Athlete, Ohio Magazine Top Field Athlete and awarded the Butler

County ALTRUSA International Outstanding Character in Athletic Achievement. She

was an Olympic Torch Carrier for the Salt Lake Winter Olympics in 2002. She appeared

on national TV, including ESPN, 48 Hours and CBS Sunday Morning. Mary is featured

in the book Two Hundred Women from Ohio: Profiles of Achievement, 1803-2003.

During the years she competed, Mary carried the message of recovery and senior

fitness, speaking before women's groups, civic groups and cancer support groups

throughout Ohio and the US.

Mary is survived by her sons, Dr. Russell (Sally) Bowermaster and Dr. Don (Gloria)

Bowermaster, 3 grandchildren, Wendy Bowermaster Williams, Jennifer (Steve)

Bowermaster Rauber, and Derick (Traci) Bowermaster, 3 great-grandchildren and many

nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and grandson, Brad.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. The Avance Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. In

lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Mercy Hospital Nurses Scholarship

Fund, 3000 Mack Road, Fairfield, OH, 45014. Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

Private

Service

Private