Barbara A. Bowen, 80, of Wayzata, MN, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026.

Barb was born on June 4, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri, where she earned a degree in English and was a proud member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. It was at Mizzou that she met the love of her life, Joseph C. Bowen. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children, Derek and Jennifer. Barb later went on to earn her master's degree from St. Mary's University.

Barb spent 25 years as a middle school English teacher in the Wayzata school system. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, high expectations, and genuine care. She truly loved her students and took great pride in helping them to become better writers and to discover a love of reading. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends. Above all, she cherished being a grandmother to her four grandchildren.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Adele Smith, and her husband, Joseph Bowen. She is survived by her son Derek (Christina) Bowen; daughter Jennifer (Anthony) Edmonds; grandchildren Megan, Dani, Maggie, and Finn; and her brother, Jim Smith.

A service will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the National MS Society.