Nancy Jean King Mowell, 89, of Basking Ridge, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025. Her final days were surrounded with visits from her family to support her with loving care. Nancy was born in Paterson, NJ on October 12, 1935, to Allison Nathaniel King and Jessie Scott Jamieson.

Nancy grew up in Hawthorne, NJ, and spent summers in Sussex County. In high school she was a Majorette in the Hawthorne High School Marching Band. She was a member of the Church of the Messiah, in Paterson, NJ with her parents.

Nancy’s childhood summers were spent as a camp director’s daughter, initially spending summers in a tent, then in a rustic cabin, to being a camper herself, and finally becoming a counselor and waterfront director for Girl Scouts. She loved being on the lake and would continue her summer lake tradition almost every year of her life.

In 1952 Nancy entered Panzer College of Physical Education in East Orange, NJ (her Father’s alma mater) and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Nancy would make some of her most enduring friendships, at college, continuing to gather regularly, for her whole adult life. Nancy worked briefly after graduation, at the Lincoln School in New Providence, NJ; but married life would take her down a different path.

During these years, Nancy met and fell in love with her husband, Henry Vail Mowell, Jr. They attended the Church of the Messiah together, and in June of 1957, they were wed and began their life together. Henry would be stationed throughout the country and many places internationally. Their adventures together found them living in places like Greece, Alaska and Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. Nancy would become a mother during this time, dedicating her life to her three children.

Nancy was predeceased but her husband in 1980, and she remained a widow for the next 45 years. During this time Nancy continued to care for her children, but also led a life of philanthropy, dedicating many hours to charitable organizations. They include serving the elderly with Meals on Wheels, working with the Bonafides of Somerset Hills and the Matheny School. Nancy continued to be an avid traveler and visited countless places across the globe.

Nancy is survived by her three children, Thomas Allison, William Glenn and Cynthia Ann. She has six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, who will miss her deeply.

Nancy’s enduring presence will be missed by all who knew her. 

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday May 21, 2025 at Gallaway and Crane, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. Visitation Hours from 10am to 12pm. Funeral Service will follow at 12 Noon at the funeral home. Burial will commence immediately following at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ