Claudine La Haye Cowen

Claudine La Haye Cowen Claudine La Haye Cowen passed away peacefully in Morlaix, France, Tuesday, January 29, 2014, surrounded by her son and close family members. The daughter of 5 star Admiral, Charles E. La Haye for De Gaulle (and ex director of France Libre) and Renee Tanguy, both deceased from Garlan, Brittany in France. She was married to Wilson Walker Cowen, founder of the University Press of Virginia, deceased in Charlottesville, Virginia. Claudine had a career as a journalist for two major French reviews (responsible for foreign affairs) - France Soir and L'Express which, among many other exploits allowed her to interview Angela Davis in Prison and fly with the 1st Cav, during two tours in the Vietnam war (where she was blacklisted). Upon her arrival in Virginia, her presence was felt through such things as: the culinary arts via her cooking classes (some televised) as well as being an integral element in the creation of the famous C&O restaurant in Charlottesville and the cookbook reviews that she and her husband prepared for the Virginia Quarterly Review; her love of gardening shared by her presence in the Extension Service and Va Garden Club, her devotion to books and culture via her presence at the Baily museum, Monticello, the French House, the University of Virginia and it's library - containing a tribute to the couple with several of their most precious volumes in the rare book collection; her devotion to mankind through her work with the Aids support group and tireless dedication to the development of Wiseman house; to name just a few... She loved to receive and share precious moments with us at her incredible domain of Malicorne until, the last few years forced her to remain in France due to mounting health concerns. Claudine is survived by her only son, Charles Wilson Cowen; his wife, Laure Cowen; and her beautiful granddaughter, Seyna Cowen, the ray of sunlight and source of immense joy during the last seven years. Those who had the opportunity to know her shall undoubtedly retain her intelligence, warmth, clarity, curiosity, attention to detail, and her devotion to those who crossed her path. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Garlan, France where she shall rejoin her husband and other son (deceased after birth). Given her love of books, donations can be made to the Thomas Jefferson Society for the university library, the Walker Cowen Memorial prize, or to Monticello. Many thanks to all that brought her joy during her stay.