Barbara Jane Cowan

Cowan, Barbara Jane passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday October 30, 2018 in her 86th year. Barbara was born on April 29, 1932 to Hazel and John Gordon Devereux in Brantford, Ontario where she grew up. She attended nursing school at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton Ontario (where she worked for some time) when she met the love of her life, Dr. Larry Cowan to whom she was married for 65 years and who predeceased her by a few months on May 6, 2018. As a proud ‘stay at home mom’ she cared for her three children John (Elaine), Susan (Ed) and Jeff (Kindy).

However, when the kids were grown it was time to kick start her professional life, which she did with vigour. She held positions as the Vice-President of Carl Jung Wines of Canada, Manager of Trudell Medical and was responsible for introducing the breathalyzer to Canada. But most importantly, she was the spiritual and founding leader of Circle of Friends for twenty years: a twice weekly calming gathering in her home for people, friends, family and volunteers involved in palliative care in the Hamilton area. Among her many talents she was a trusted counsellor, Reiki master and death coach which lead to her recognition as one of Hamilton’s Woman of Distinction in 2001. A life truly lived!

She is survived by her three children and their partners and seven grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, Aaron, Natalie, Vanessa, Rebecca and Leah as well as her brother-in-law John Robert Cowan, sister-in-law Jean Cowan (nee Burr), nephews Brad and Doug Cowan and her beloved niece, Jane McIntyre (nee Devereux).

Visitation will occur on Wednesday November 7, 2018 at the Cresmount Funeral Home in Hamilton from 2 to 5 p.m. with no service. In lieu of flowers donations to the Hamilton Cancer Assistance Program. The family would like to thank all the dedicated staff and volunteers who cared for our mom over the past few years at Idlewyld Manor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com for the Cowan family.