SUSAN MARY TIDY COWAN

Susan Mary Tidy Cowan, aged 94, died in her sleep on October 4, 2025. Wife of the late Charles Gibbs Cowan to whom she was married for 67 years, she will be missed by her daughter, Julia; sons, James (Barbara) and Stuart; and grandchildren, Hannah, Charlotte, William, and Charles. Born in Toronto, February 18, 1931, to Lt. Col. Philip Charles Tidy M.C. and Mary Elizabeth (Strathy), and little sister to Elizabeth (Walker), Charles, Robert, and Michael. Mum went to Bishop Strachan School, Oakwood Collegiate, where she was named "Miss Oakwood," and graduated from Trinity College (U of T) in 1954. At age 16, she met Charles Cowan (the Ice Man '47) at the Ojibway in Pointe Au Baril, and eight years later they were married at Christ Church Deer Park, honeymooning in NYC (for Mum) and then at the Cowan homestead in Cannington, where they built a boathouse on Lake Simcoe (for Dad). While raising her three children, Mum volunteered with the Junior League of Toronto, and served as President of the Bishop Strachan School Old Girls Association. Mum was an energetic, social human being who sparkled at parties and loved to be around family and friends. She took her long-term interest in houses and their design into a successful career in real estate with Martin and Meredith. There, she found great joy in bringing families together with properties that would meet their needs for many years to come. A smart dresser and skilled power-shopper (who could resist a Holt's sale?), Mum was still wearing a fashionable suit in her 90s. Family was a priority and Mum treasured times together at The Maples in Cannington and Jericho Island in Georgian Bay. A trip to London in 1974 led to annual visits there, which were a highlight for both Mum and Dad. Upon retiring from real estate, Mum turned to her long-time passion: horses. After refurbishing the stables at The Maples, she and Dad spent most of their time enjoying country life, and well into her late 80s Mum was out before breakfast feeding the horses, even at 28 degrees below. Mum spent her final years at Belmont House, and we are most grateful to Elizabeth, Nebrija, and Belmont staff who helped Mum smoothly navigate those years. Even as she faded, Mum's faith remained strong, and when her ability to communicate failed, she still perked up upon hearing those famous words from John's Gospel: Let not your heart be troubled … In my father's house are many rooms … I go to prepare a place for you … Though we will miss her terribly, it is a joy to picture her reunited with Dad again, this time forever. A service will be held at Christ Church Deer Park on Tuesday, October 14th, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ Church Deer Park, Cannington & Area Historical Society, or the Community Association for Riders with Disabilities.