Nancy Elizabeth Cave Lowery, beloved mother, aunt, neighbor and friend, died on Aug. 4 at Swedish Hospital after a seven-month battle with lung cancer. She was 72.

She was born Sept. 25, 1936 in Seattle to Clinton and Myra Cave, and lived her entire life on Bainbridge Island as a third-generation Cave family member dating back to the 1860s. Growing up during the 1940s, Nancy developed a strong work ethic and sense of independence along with a love of animals; she became an accomplished equestrian rider. She graduated from Bainbridge Island High School in 1954 and later married Vivian Lawrence Lowery of Birmingham, Ala. Together they made their home on Bainbridge and had one son, Bill Lowery.

Following her passion for horses, Nancy taught equestrian riding for 25 years on Bainbridge and was instrumental in the development of the Bainbridge Island Pony Club. In addition, Nancy spent 22 years working for Drs. King and Middaugh at the Poulsbo Animal Clinic. She subsequently worked 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 including sport fishing, tending her garden, travel, canning and baking pies.

She 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; sister Marcia Wicktom of Tacoma; son Bill (Sue) Lowery of Seattle; and five nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 29 at Port Madison Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or PAWS of Bainbridge Island, P.O. Box 10811, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. An online guest book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.