Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp

1940 - 2025

Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp, born March 17, 1940, in Watsonville, California, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025. A fifth-generation Cowles family farmer, community leader, and generous supporter of her community, she built a life rooted in service, stewardship, and deep love for the land.

Raised on her family's ranch in the Pajaro Valley, Georgeann graduated from Watsonville High School in 1957. She received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 1972. She married John G. Eiskamp and raised 3 children. After a long career as a commercial insurance underwriter, she returned to Watsonville in 1999 to assist her father in the family's berry business. Following his passing in 2006, she took the reins of Cowles Berry Farm and guided its operations with passion, resilience, and innovation.

A beacon of kindness and service, Georgeann held leadership roles in the Watsonville Rotary Club and the Ag History Project, leading fundraising efforts for global and local causes. She served on the Board of Directors of Agri-Culture and was co-founder and co-chair of its Down to Earth Women Luncheon, which celebrates local women in agriculture and has raised over $800,000 for agricultural scholarships and programs. She generously donated her time and resources to many other local programs she was passionate about.

Georgeann has been recognized for her years of dedication to agriculture and to the community. She was honored as the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2012, the Ag Against Hunger Woman of the Year in 2013, and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau's Farmer of the Year in 2017.

Georgeann had a deep love for gardening and home décor. Her unique and beautiful homes and yards reflected her creativity, charm, and keen eye for detail.

Georgeann loved Alaska, a place that called to her spirit of adventure and wonder. She travelled there often to her small cabin in the woods and loved to attend the Iditarod dogsled races.

Georgeann will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her spirit of generosity and her deep ties to the community and the land. She is survived by her children: John E. (Caroline) Eiskamp, Lisa Eiskamp, and Christine (Ambrose) Carrejo; and her five grandchildren, Michael Eiskamp, Jennifer (Dillon) Houser, Cody Upton, Nicole Carrejo, and Connor (Jessica) Carrejo. She is also survived by her former husband John G. (Judy) Eiskamp. She is predeceased by her parents George and Mattie Lou Cowles and her sister Martha Lou Smith.

A memorial celebration will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 12 noon, at the Heritage Hall at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076.

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations may be made to the Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp Memorial Scholarship for Women in Agriculture through the educational organization, Agri-Culture at: www.agri-culture.us/funds/. Checks payable to Agri-Culture with memo "Georgeann Scholarship" may be sent to: Agri-Culture, 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076. Credit card donations may be made through the Agri-Culture office at: (831)722-6622.