Shirley Elizabeth Cowan

Shirley was born November 1, 1931 in Grace Hospital, Vancouver to parents Ellis and Lilian Chadwick. She had one brother Alan. Their family lived in the small mill-town of Woodfibre, BC where her father worked. Upon graduation, Shirley moved to Vancouver and lived at the YWCA while she worked in a bank a few years. In 1953 she married Victor Ellis Cowan, the love of her life, and they soon purchased a home in East Vancouver where they raised their four children, Glenna, David, Lisa and Russell. They would live in that home until 2019.

Shirley loved her family unconditionally and she had the capacity to open those arms of love to many others who crossed her path. She was known for her collections of vinyl records, coins, stamps, owls and romance novels. She loved to surround her home with photos of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a true homemaker! One always felt welcome in her well-kept home and the smell of fresh baked muffins often greeted you. Her home was a safe haven for many family members and neighbours. Shirley worked part-time at her Aunt’s bakery in West Vancouver for many years and as children we loved when she was driven home with leftover baked goods to enjoy for the week! She would walk or bus everywhere having never learned to drive. She had a deep faith in God and embodied His unconditional love to all in her circle. She was very involved in her church community until circumstances in her health prevented her. Shirley loved outings with the seniors group from church, attending plays with her friends or family, and visits to various parks in Vancouver such as Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park or VanDusen Gardens to enjoy the beautiful floral displays.

Shirley will be dearly missed by her children Glenna and Russell, grandchildren Nathan, Nadia, Halyna, Elysia, Angel, Cody, Staci, Joleen, Tammy, Scott, Crystal, Tanya, Stephanie and RJ, and over 20 great-grandchildren.

The family thank Zion Park Manor in Surrey, BC for their love, compassion and dedicated care for Shirley these last two years.

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Celebration of Life to take place at 10:00 am on Friday, February 25, 2022 in The Chapel of Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, 5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Hamilton Harron Tea Room Luncheon (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm) is by invitation only---thank you.

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