Peggy Ann Bowen

Peggy Ann Bowen, 77, a trailblazing attorney, social justice advocate, and cherished friend passed away in September. Born in Paris, Arkansas and raised in Carlsbad, New Mexico, she graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965, and received a full scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis. Peggy earned her Juris Doctorate from the UNM School of Law in 1973. She had the distinction of being among the first 100 women attorneys admitted to the New Mexico Bar. 

Also a member of the Texas bar, early in her career, Peggy was in private practice in both Texas and Alamogordo, before moving to Santa Fe in 1985. She represented Lincoln County in complex environmental litigation, advocated for workers and consumers, and made significant contributions to landmark cases including the El Paso Water Lawsuit, where she played a pivotal role in defending New Mexico’s public entities. She also served as counsel for a number of state agencies, including as General Counsel for the NM Regulation and Licensing Department and as Associate General Counsel for the NM Public Regulation Commission. She retired from the State of New Mexico in 2013. 

Peggy worked with dedication, fought tirelessly for equal rights, and sought to protect the vulnerable. Her tenacity, integrity, and passion for fairness always stood out. Her work helped shape policies that had far-reaching impacts on state laws and regulation, public safety, and industry standards. 

In the midst of a demanding line of work, she cultivated and maintained deep and meaningful friendships that spanned decades. An avid traveler, fluent in Spanish, she attended UNM’s Latin American Studies Center in Quito, Ecuador, her senior year in college, made an adventurous journey around the world in 1987, and continued to travel frequently throughout her life. Her love for swimming and the ocean led her to Hawaii where she spent the last year and half before returning home this July.

A devoted follower of Amma, the renowned "hugging saint" from India, Peggy embraced Amma’s teachings of love, compassion, and selfless service. This and her long-standing involvement in the Unitarian Church guided her deep commitment to equity, the environment, and human rights.

Peggy was a lifelong Democrat who walked precincts in Carlsbad with her father, a miner and union organizer. She was a ward chair in Santa Fe and worked on many campaigns, including that of her law school classmate, Justice Petra Maes.

Preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Catherine Heft Bowen, and her brothers, Bruce Glen Bowen, and Roger Dexter Bowen, Peggy is survived by her sister Vickie Bowen (Bill Haish), nephew Kyle Haish, her niece Brandi Alvarez (Rich) and their children, Ari, Isaiah, Augie, and Zion. She is also survived by Terra Hite (Dave), whom she mentored and nurtured as if she were her own daughter.

Peggy opened doors for others. As a pioneer for women in law, as a volunteer in high schools, and as a guide to those who knew her well, she helped people think for themselves and motivated them to reflect and grow. She inspired many with her courage, practicality, generosity, and willpower. Her extensive vocabulary, wise advice, dedicated service, unique quirks, and expressive face are greatly missed.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16th at 2 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe, 107 W Barcelona Rd. In lieu of flowers (Peggy had lots of allergies), donations may be made in her honor to Amma.org. 

The link to the Santa Fe New Mexican below;

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/santafenewmexican/name/peggy-bowen-obituary?id=56737268