Mary Bowermaster dies at 93; breast cancer survivor turned to track
Mary Bowermaster
Dick Soller of Ohio wrote: “Mary was a fine sprinter and field event competitor (long jump, shot put), and held numerous world records during her career. She had also been selected as age group Masters Track and Field Athlete of the Year on several occasions.”
Here’s the obituary in case the link goes down:
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 schoolsas 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 group 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
I didn’t know Mary, but reading about her amazes me. Talk about incredible second acts! Our condolences to her family and friends.
2 Responses
Mary was a great motivator on the track as she always gave encouragement to anyone on the practice track in Fairfield. Always had a smile and never complained. She hated to loose and trained to win.
She was an inspiration.
Rusty and Don,
I just ran across this article on Aunt Mary. It has been a year since she passed and I am so sorry we were not around for her funeral. She was an amazing lady and I know how you must miss her. I should have spent more time with her as she always seemed to love having Judy and I stop by to visit. If you get this please write back and keep in touch.
Bob
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