Alexandria Bowen

Bowen, Alexandria Russell
Andy Bowen, 80, of Oak Park Heights, formerly of Minneapolis, died peacefully on September 9, 2017, of Alexander Disease. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Hilary Bowen, brother, Edgar Russell Jr., and sisters, Margaret Russell and Marcia Berkley, and is survived by her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Sarah. Andy attended Summit school in St. Paul and Wellesley College where she majored in music (violin, piano). Upon graduation, Andy sought out employment which would expand her knowledge, such as working for a paleoentomologist, and after a stint in the Harvard admissions office, serving as managing editor of Behavioral Science in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While in Ann Arbor, Andy earned an MA in English literature. She spent a year and a half in England, working in the records department of a hospital in Cambridge.

Andy loved adventure. She canoed rivers from the Yukon in Canada to the Zambezi in Zambia. She rafted the Colorado, and went on sailing trips in the Alaskan inland waterway. She and Bob went on a number of hiking trips in Great Britain, Ireland, and France.

Andy loved choral music, and while in England, sang in the King's College Choir in Cambridge. She was also a member of madrigal groups, both in England and in Ann Arbor. Andy and Bob both sang in the Bach Society and were charter members of the Minnesota Chorale. Andy's creative talents extended beyond music to photography and watercolor painting. Andy was also a superb cook; she rarely followed a recipe, improvising as she went, and the results were glorious.

Andy and Bob were married almost 49 years and lived in Minneapolis for most of them, spending summers on the St. Croix. In 2013 they moved to a retirement community, Boutwells Landing, in Oak Park Heights. The family thanks the staff at The Gables for the care given Andy during her stay.

Andy's sweet nature and sense of humor were irresistible. To know her was to love her.

A celebration of Andy's life will be held Sunday, September 17, 2017, 11:00 A.M. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Save the Children, Heifer International, or donor's choice.