Marion Cowan

Marion Davis (Newman) Cowan, 99, died peacefully in Pensacola, Florida, surrounded by family members, on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

Born September 3rd, 1919 in Lakewood, New Jersey to Judge Harry E. Newman and mother Fanny May (Mickle) Newman, Marion loved her home in southern New Jersey and enjoyed summers on West Point Island in Lavallette, New Jersey with siblings Harry, Joyce, Carolyn and Jean. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1937 and received a degree in History from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA in 1941. Upon graduation Marion took a job with the Federal Reserve Bank and was married on January 24, 1942.
A loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Marion was married for 64 years to the late James Huston Cowan, who predeceased her in 2006. Surviving her are her sons James Huston Cowan, Jr., Douglas Carter Cowan and daughter Emilie Carolyn (Cowan) Bova, as well as eight (8) grandchildren, six (6) great grandchildren and fourteen (14) nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her second son Gregory Miles Cowan in 1979.
Marion had a keen sense of art and design, and loved reading books, particularly non-fiction. She was an outspoken advocate for social and political causes, was well-traveled, loved animals, poetry and music, and was very active throughout her life. Renovating houses was her avocation, having bought, rented-out, and sold a series of "work houses" over several decades. Her varied interests included literature and fine art, the game of bridge, crossword puzzles, birdwatching, decoupage, and antique furnishings, among others. An avid gardener, she spent countless hours weeding, planting, transplanting and tending to shrubs and trees in the several homes where the family lived as well as her work houses. She was an active member of the Junior League, and the League of Women Voters.
Marion's lilting laughter, wisdom and good counsel will be greatly missed by her family and friends far and wide.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Holyoke College: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/giving/.

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