Murphys, Calif. — Jereann Bowman, a former William S. Hart Union High School District board member and the driving force behind the continuation school that bears her name, died Wednesday, March 22, 1995, at the age of 74.

Her daughter, Karen Bergen, said Bowman died suddenly following complications from an aneurysm she suffered two years ago. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland.

Bowman, known by many for her feistiness, was the daughter of Judge C.M. MacDougall — a pioneer of Newhall and Saugus.

The red-haired Bowman was born March 13, 1921, and came to Saugus in 1927. The Bowman homestead was located at Cross and Market streets in Newhall. Following retirement, Bowman left the Santa Clarita Valley to the Northern California town of Murphys to be near her daughter and granddaughter, Skye Anne.

During her lifetime, Bowman conducted medical research for the Army during World War II and held several county jobs.

She served on the Hart board of trustees from 1963 to 1969 and was active in pushing for the establishment of a continuation school.

In a brief profile that appeared in the Nov. 11, 1976, edition of The Signal, Bowman was described as always having "a place in her heart for the non-conforming and felt there should be a school where youngsters could have more freedom" than in traditional schools.

"She was an advocate and understood the difficulties of kids with special circumstances," said Bergen.

Bowman High School opened Sept. 29, 1969, next to Canyon High School on the corner of Whites Canyon and Nadal Street.

The campus was moved about 12 years later to a Redview Drive site across the street from the Hart district headquarters.

Councilman Clyde Smyth, who knew Bowman while he was a principal and administrator in the district, said the school is a tribute to a woman who had a great interest and commitment to education and children.

"She really was a mover before it was popular to provide an alternative school," Smyth said. "Jereann Bowman stood up and got counted for the kids who needed special help."

In addition to serving on the school board, Bowman was also involved in local politics and community service.

In 1973, Bowman was named Woman of the Year by the Newhall-Saugus-Valencia Chamber of Commerce. She held the position of secretary-manager of the chamber.

Bergen said no services or memorial will be held. Instead, Bowman will be cremated and her ashes scattered over the ocean, as were her late husband's,

Flowers or tributes may be sent to Bowman's granddaughter at 455 Union St., No. 177, Colony Inn, Arcata, Calif. 95521.