Rest in peace, Marian

I am so glad we celebrated her life, well-lived, on her 80th birthday.

Indeed, we celebrated many birthdays and Christmases together.  Marian was a woman of many talents. She ran her own antiques business, traded antique jewelry, had a foray into real estate, served on the Board of Governors of Sheridan college and on the Sudbury Health Council. A talented seamstress and great chef.  A wicked sense of humour.

When I first met her 30+ years ago, how formidable she seemed.  Someone who didn't suffer fools gladly. I look at photos now and I am older than she was when we first met. There's one shot of her in the garden, looking so glamorous.  Long, gorgeous legs and a great smile.  A bearing that reminded me of the best of Katherine Hepburn.

Her greatest and most fierce accomplishment, the one that brought her the most pride, was without a doubt her family. Five children, their spouses, and children, and grandchildren, with the first great- grandkids on the way.

She will be missed.  She brought us all together at least once or twice a year, and I hope the tradition continues.  When we are all together, I'll continue to see her in the lifted corner of a smile or hear her echo in someone's voice.

Rest in peace, Marian.

Marian H. C.

(July 23, 1929 - January 23, 2012)

Passed away with her loving family by her side on January 23, 2012 at Providence Centre at the age of 82. Predeceased by her husband Dr. John R. Cowan. She will be greatly missed by her children, Robert (Diane), Sheila (Jim), Lois (Mark), Brenda (Bill), and Gordon (Linda). Lovingly missed by her 9 grandchildren, Alex, Meredith, Spencer, Arden, Ryan, Patricia, James, Christina, and Sarah. Marian was 8 of 9 children born to Peter and Frances Ryan of Halifax, N.S. and is survived by her sisters Sheila MacDonald and Evelyn MacDonald. A memorial service will follow in the chapel at 2 p.m. We are so proud of how strong and determined she was with her battle with cancer and she will remain in our hearts forever.