Geraldine Fish Downey Bowman

Geraldine Fish Downey Bowman, age 97 of Vero Beach, FL passed away on April 15, 2023, at Somerset House in Oak Harbor.

Geraldine, also known as Jerry by her family and close friends, was born in South Bend, IN on April 6, 1926.  She was the daughter of Geraldine Osborne and Frederick Studebaker Fish, grandson of the founder of the Studebaker Automobile Corporation of South Bend, IN.

Jerry lived an interesting young life.  Her family left South Bend and moved to an apartment on Park Avenue in New York City when she was nine.  They also had a home in Nantucket.

Her father, who was an avid outdoorsman, in 1926 purchased and created a self-contained cattle ranch of thousands of acres of rangeland in the Rocky Mountains along the Wind River in Dubois, WY.  This is where the family spent their summers. There Jerry developed a love for animals and became an accomplished rider, fisherman, and collector of Wyoming rocks, minerals, fossils, and Native American relics.  The ranch was her joy throughout her lifetime and a wonderful backdrop for her family.

Her family moved back to South Bend during World War II where she met and in 1946 married Daniel Granville Downey after his return from Yale University. Moving to Vero Beach in 1972, they became involved in the community. Their marriage lasted until his passing at the age of 80 in 2004.

With the passing of her husband, Jerry found new love with Mr. Robert Bowman of Vero Beach and subsequently married on May 25, 2012, at Riomar Country Club.  They were members of Riomar Country Club, Vero Beach Yacht Club, and John’s Island Club.

The Bowman’s continued their summer visits to Wyoming, as well as traveling throughout the world until Bob’s passing at age 99 on April 18, 2020.

Jerry had four sons: Daniel G. Downey, Jr., Frederick F. Downey, Gregor S. Downey, and Bryan R. Downey. Also 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  She is survived by all; a family to which she was devoted.

In addition to her husbands, Jerry was predeceased by her sister, Grace Studebaker Fish and her brother, Frederick Studebaker Fish Jr.

An inurnment will be held at the family mausoleum in South Bend, IN, at a later date.

If so inclined, a memorial donation in her name to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by her family.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.