Mireille Cowan KAIRALLA

KAIRALLA, Mireille Cowan

Mireille Cowan Kairalla 95 years old, daughter of Charles William Cowan and Teresa de Garmendia Cowan, passed from this earth peacefully at home on April 10, 2014. She was born and educated in Nice, France, where her father, an American dentist had his practice. The family moved to the U.S. shortly before the outbreak of World War II. She married the love of her life, George Kairalla, in 1941, co-founder and owner of Datura Auto Sales established in 1947. The couple made their home in the West Palm Beach area for 60 years, raising eight children. Her life centered on her family and her faith. 'Mimi' was a devoted mother, homemaker, and celebrant who never forgot the birthdays of her loved ones. She often prepared delectable feasts for at least 50 family members and friends on short notice. She taught French at Cardinal Newman High School and Palm Beach Day School and was an active member of St. Ann Catholic, Church until the 1970's when the family moved to Lake Clarke Shores. She then served as a Eucharistic Minister and President of the Legion of Mary at St. Luke Catholic Church after the death of her husband in 2001. She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Kairalla Knowles and husband, Frank; five sons: Charles and wife Gloria, Philip and wife Jamie, Andrew and wife Susan, Samuel and wife Mary, and Michael. Her sons, George, husband of Lynne, and Ronald, husband of Carol Fedele, preceded her in death, as did her brothers John, Gerald, and Charles Cowan. Other survivors include brother-in-law, Robert Kairalla and wife Marilyn, sister-in-law, Grace Covert, 20 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and an abundance of nieces and nephews. The family was blessed to have four loving caregivers who made it possible for her to remain in her home: Gladis Badia, Bernice Gibbs, Griselda Perez, and Mary Waite. Arrangements for a Funeral Mass in June will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Church, 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, 33401 for the Garden Restoration Fund or to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

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