Dorothy Cowan

MISSOULA - Dorothy Ann Steen Cowan, 85, died surrounded by her three children in Missoula on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Born on June 24, 1923, in Marcus, Iowa, the Steen family moved to Olympia, Wash., early in Dorothy’s life and it was there that Dorothy grew up and graduated from high school. She attended Whitman College, where she was a Tri Delta Theta, and the University of Washington. She married Bruce Cowan following World War II. They were married 63 years.





Dorothy and Bruce lived throughout the Pacific Northwest, living in Seattle, Longview, Roseburg, Walla Walla, Olympia, Tacoma and back to Seattle. In January 2008, they moved to Missoula.





Dorothy lived her life with a most gracious and sweet soul. Her compassion, hospitality and warmth marked her life. She cared deeply for her family, her communities, her church and the well-being of all around her.





Dorothy is survived by her husband Bruce, who continues to live at The Village Health Care Center in Missoula; their daughters Heather Cowan in San Francisco, Barbara Cowan (Peter Shober) in Missoula and son Charlie Cowan (Sue) in Seattle. They proudly have nine grandchildren, James, Mary and Tom Cowan; Phillip, Sarah and Jamie Spiegel; Anamarie, Jane and Steen Shober, and one great-grandchild, Evelyn Spiegel. Dorothy is also survived by one sister, Tralice in Seattle. She was preceded in death by two infant children, her parents and one sister.





A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at University Congregational Church, 405 University Ave., Missoula, on Tuesday, June 9, at 4 p.m. Inurnment will occur later in the summer in Seattle. Memorials may be sent to the University Congregational Memorial Fund. The family wishes to express gratitude for all the tender mercies extended to Dorothy and her family over the past days and weeks.