(August 23, 1945 – April 13, 2025)
Eleanor Joyce Cowan, our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away, surrounded by love, at Guelph General Hospital on April 13th, 2025, in her 80th year, after facing illness with remarkable strength. Eleanor was born in Tillsonburg, to Bill and Joyce (nee Broad) Bell and raised on their Springford farmstead. Eleanor is survived by her loving husband and lifelong companion, Harvey J. Cowan. Eleanor and Harvey married on September 9th,1967, in Springford United Church, after meeting in 1963 at Glendale High School in Tillsonburg.
Together, Eleanor and Harvey raised a beautiful family. Eleanor will be remembered with deep affection by her children Melissa Cowan (Paul), Marcy Cowan-Gray (Beven) and Matthew Cowan (Janine), all born in Sault Ste. Marie. Quite possibly, Eleanor’s greatest joy was being a grandmother to Emma, Brandon and Hannah Cowan; Cooper, Bella and Ruby Gray; Payton and Rohn Cowan. She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Barbara Wilson and Richard Bell—who were not only her family, but her confidants—and by many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family was everything to Eleanor. She was deeply devoted to her loved ones and a steadfast supporter of everything they pursued. She and Harvey were regular fixtures at the many sports games their children and grandchildren participated in, always cheering them on with pride and joy. Eleanor found joy in the simple things in life- gliding across the ice while skating, creating with her hands through sewing, and filling her home with warmth and love through her baking and cooking. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, passing on her love for baking, sewing, crafting, and sharing quiet meaningful moments together. Eleanor will also be remembered as a member of Springford United Church, where she shared her beautiful singing voice and ardent faith by teaching Sunday school.
In keeping with Eleanor’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited to attend public visitation on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, between 12 noon and 1:45 p.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. A memorial service will follow on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., in the funeral home chapel, conducted by Rev. Lola Mather-Dyer, formerly of Springford Baptist Church. Following internment in Springford Cemetery, all are invited to the Springford Hall (429 Main Street West, Springford) to share in a time of remembrance for Eleanor. Those who knew Eleanor are invited to share favourite memories, photos, express personal condolences or contribute memorial donations to “Sick Kids Fdn,” “Friends of Algonquin,” the “Canadian Wildlife Fdn,” “Operation Smile,” or to the “CNIB,” via Eleanor’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes (519) 842-4238, entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.