Nancy Elizabeth Cave Lowery

beloved mother, aunt, neighbor, and friend, passed away August 4, 2009 at Swedish Hospital after a 7-month battle with lung cancer. She was 72.Nancy was born September 25, 1936 in Seattle, WA to Clinton and Myra Cave. She lived her entire life on Bainbridge Island as a third generation Cave family member dating back to the 1860's. Growing up during the difficult war years of the 1940's, Nancy developed a strong work ethic and sense of independence and self reliance. At a young age she also developed a love of animals and became an accomplished equestrian rider.She graduated from Bainbridge Island High School in 1954 and later married Vivian Lawrence Lowery of Birmingham, AL. Together they made their home on Bainbridge and had one son, Bill Lowery.Following her passion for horses, Nancy taught equestrian riding on Bainbridge Island for 25 years. She was instrumental in the development of the Bainbridge Island Pony Club teaching dressage and hunter/jumper riding skills. Nancy's former students still recall her dedication to her craft and penchant for working hard for what you want to accomplish. Nancy found great pleasure in watching her students gain confidence in themselves as they developed their riding skills and self reliance while tending to their horses.In addition to teaching riding, Nancy spent 22 years working for Drs. King and Middaugh at the Poulsbo Animal Clinic. She subsequently went on to work for Washington State Ferries at the Bainbridge Island Terminal for 19 years, retiring in April 2009. Many Island residents may recall Nancy's ready smile, caring and giving ways, and her cheerful boarding announcements as they began their daily ferry commutes.Nancy pursued other passions in life as well including sport fishing, tending her garden, travel to South America, China, Africa, Turkey, Europe, the Caribbean, canning and baking pies. According to Nancy one her home made pies could just about cure anything that ails a person.Nancy was preceded in death by her former husband Vivian Lowery and sister Beverly Cave McConnell. She is survived by her brother Robert (Yelena) Cave of Bellevue, WA,; Sister Marcia Wicktom of Tacoma, WA; son Bill (Sue) Lowery of Seattle, WA; and five nieces and nephews.A Memorial Service celebrating Nancy's life will be held at Port Madison Lutheran Church, 14000 Madison Ave. N.E., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or PAWS of Bainbridge Island, P.O. Box 10811, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.