Barbara Helen Bowen

Barbara Helen Bowen, age 56 years, of East Amwell Township, NJ, died on Friday, September 9, 2005, at her residence.

Born in Trenton, NJ, August 26, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Ronald and Helen Roberts Nicol. She had previously resided in Hamilton Township, NJ, where she was raised.

She was a graduate of Rider College, Lawrenceville, NJ. Barbara served in a variety of educational roles in Mercer County, NJ, before moving to the South Hunterdon Regional School District as a school psychologist. Barbara joined the Counseling Services Department of Hunterdon Central High School, Flemington, NJ, as the College and Career Counselor. While at Hunterdon Central, she was invited to the teaching staff of UCLA to instruct high school counselors on college admissions policies via the internet. Barbara was frequently quoted by USA Today and the Associated Press for her expertise on college admissions. Barbara pioneered several innovative programs while at Hunterdon Central, including the SAT Review and computerized information systems. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment at Hunterdon Central was the development of the Family College Planning Program, and the creation of the Exploring College and Career Options class. She touched the lives of thousands of students and parents throughout her tenure at Hunterdon Central.

Barbara will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the students and families who benefited, and continue to benefit, from her gracious service.

She was also pre-deceased by a sister, Bonnie Nicol Nagy. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of thirty years, Ross Bowen; two daughters, Bonnie Bowen and Kathryn Bowen at home; a son, Paul Bowen of Clearwater, FL; and two sisters, Joan Lee of Barnstead, NH, and Janice Nicol of Solebury, PA.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Ringoes, NJ. Calling hours will be held from 7-9 PM Tuesday and 10-11 AM Wednesday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, Research Department, 710 West 168 Street, Box 107, New York, NY 10032, Attn: Ani Sara Thankachan.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.