ORONO – Kathryn Spencer Cowan passed away Friday, July 22, 2011, in Bangor, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Kathryn, or Kay as she came to be known, was born Sept. 9, 1927, in Bangor. She was raised in Orono, where she resided her entire life.
Kay attended Orono schools and excelled as a student, notably skipping two entire grade levels in elementary school. After her graduation from Orono High School, Kathryn married Herbert S. Cowan of Orono, Jan. 11, 1947. Kay and Herb settled in Orono, where they raised two sons, Stan and Billy. Kay was an excellent cook, a fastidious housekeeper and a voracious reader, often completing several books each week throughout her lifetime. A regular patron of Orono Public Library, Kay often walked the two miles from her home to the library in order to obtain the latest best seller. Kay maintained a close circle of friends with whom she shared many happy moments and life events. While she could never be convinced to obtain her driver’s license, Kay readily accompanied her friends on various excursions, especially shopping trips to the Bangor Mall. She was known for her excellent taste in clothing, and took great pride in keeping Herb impeccably dressed during his career as vice president of Doug’s Shop ‘n Save stores. Kay also enjoyed her own weekly trips to the local hair salon. Looking for a hobby they could both share, Kay and Herb became avid golfers and for many years were active members of Penobscot Valley Country Club, Orono. To her own surprise, Kay developed into a skillful and competitive golfer, winning many matches throughout her golfing career. One of her proudest achievements was winning a state competition as a member of a foursome, earning a free trip to Florida to play in a national golf tournament. After Herb’s retirement Kay and Herb enjoyed many trips to Florida during the winter months where they played golf and spent treasured time with family and friends. Despite the challenges presented by Kay’s illness, she was able to live out the remaining years of her life in the home she cherished through the dedication and loving support of her family, and the excellent care provided by her caregivers from A Loving Touch, especially Trudy, Elizabeth, Juanita and Karen.
Kathryn is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Herbert S. Cowan of Orono; son, Stanley H. Cowan and his wife, Wendy, of North Berwick; son, William Cowan and his partner, Johnna Brazier, of Bangor; a brother, William Spencer and his wife, Nancy, of Hampden; two sisters, Cecilia Nadeau and her husband, Randolph, of Enfield and Bonnie Negron of North Miami, Fla.; grandchildren, Christopher Cowan of Belgrade Lakes, Jordana Cowan of Moody and Emily Cowan of Burlington, Vt.; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her cousin, Helen Gonyer of Campobello Island. Kathryn was predeceased by her mother, Amelia Spencer McKusick of Bangor; and her father, William Spencer of Orono.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church, 429 Main St., Old Town, with the Rev. Wilfred Labbe, pastor, celebrant. Interment will after the service at Riverside Cemetery, Orono. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation, remembrances and refreshments after the interment at Kathryn and Herb’s home, 37 Gilbert St., Orono. Those wishing to remember Kay in a special way may contribute in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 170 U.S. Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105. A service of Brookings-Smith, Orono Chapel.