Laura Cowden Obituary

Laura Louise Cowden

April 28, 1927 - July 15, 2025

Laura Louise Cowden, known to all as Louise, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025, in Dexter Township, Michigan, at the age of 98.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, on April 28, 1927 the same year Ford introduced the Model A Louise witnessed nearly a century of extraordinary change. She saw World War II begin and end, lost beloved classmates and friends, witnessed the founding of the United Nations, the moon landing, which she insisted her children watch on television with her, the rise and fall of the Cold War, and multiple public health crises, including COVID-19. Through it all, she remained grounded, wise, and hopeful, often reminding others, "this too shall pass."

Louise was the first woman in her family to earn a university degree, graduating from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City. She later earned a Master of Library Science from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She began her career at the Library of Congress in the 1950s before becoming a mother in 1963, adopting first her son Anthony and then her daughter Laura.

She raised her family in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where she was part of a vibrant and enduring community. She strongly believed in the mission of Georgetown Day School Washington's first racially integrated school and began working there as the "milk lady" before building and leading the high school library - in fact, she built all four of the high school's libraries! A lifelong learner, Louise ushered the library into the digital age and formed lifelong bonds with colleagues and students. GDS made a lasting impression on her and she did it.

After retiring to Michigan, Louise embraced a joyful new chapter as a grandmother. She traveled the world with friends and family exploring England, Ireland, Italy, Israel, and even hiking Diamond Head in Hawaii with her son - at the age of 80! She helped raise her grandchildren into adulthood and, just this spring, fulfilled her greatest wish by meeting her great-granddaughter, Blake.

Louise is survived by her children, Anthony (Suzanne) Cowden and Laura (Stephen) Jones; grandchildren, Zachary Cowden, Thomas (Krista) Cowden, Robert Cowden, Owain Jones, and Laura Magdalene Jones; great-grandchild, Blake Chandler Cowden; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Chandler Cowden, her parents, Lawrence and Laura Desy, and sisters, Jean (Larry) Schuetz, Ginger (Ron) Schuetz, and Beverly (Bill) Beaver.

Louise was beloved by her family, colleagues, and students for her intelligence, generosity, and unwavering support of education. She lived a life of curiosity, service, and quiet strength a legacy that will endure in the lives she touched.

A remembrance will be held by the family at Borek-Jennings Funeral Home in Hamburg, Michigan on Friday July 25th, 2025 at 6 p.m. A joint interment of Louise and Chandler Cowden will be held later this year at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa to be fully celebrated with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Georgetown Day School, 4200 Davenport St. NW, Washington, DC 20016, or at www.gds.org/giving.