Kristi Shawn Bowerman

Kristi Shawn Bowerman

Kristi Shawn Bowerman passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 22, 2026, at home in Orlando, Florida. 

Kristi was born on October 4, 1969, in Huntington, West Virginia. Despite facing severe dyslexia at a time when it was rarely diagnosed, she became an honor roll student and a lifelong reader. She graduated cum laude from Chesapeake High School in Chesapeake, Ohio, and earned honors degrees in Library Sciences and Elementary Education from the University of North Florida. 

Kristi was a generous, kind, funny, and inspirational woman with a true zest for life. She traveled the world and saw more than thirty Broadway musicals and plays. Her love of discovery inspired her to take her nephews on trips across the United States and abroad, introducing them to new cultures, museums, and performances. In turn, they cherished and adored her. 

Despite the devastating prognosis of rare dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, Kristi continued to spread love and kindness throughout her final year. She inspired everyone who knew her—living without regrets and filling her last months with more love and experience than many do in a lifetime. Her message was simple: enjoy life, cherish the people and moments that matter most—and don't wait. 

Kristi took great pride in always going above and beyond in her career. Her passion for literature and reading led her to manage several independent and university bookstores. In her final years, she was proud to serve as Facilities Coordinator for Melanie Casey Fine Jewelry, where she cherished her work and colleagues. The Melanie Casey team showed her unwavering support and love during her illness. 

Kristi is survived by her sisters, Kellee (Michael) Seif and Stacey Bowerman; her beloved nephews, Benjamin and Joshua Seif; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gary and Julie Bowerman.

Last year, surrounded by close friends in Kentucky, we held a Living Celebration for Kristi that included her raising over $3,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—a cause dedicated to providing children with books and fostering a lifelong love of reading. To honor Kristi’s memory and passion, donations to the Imagination Library are encouraged to continue this important mission (donate.imaginationlibrary.com).