Obituary of Sharon Elizabeth Cowan

OBITUARY FOR SHARON ELIZABETH COWAN

Sharon Elizabeth Cowan passed away peacefully at a time of her choosing, April 21, 2025 in the loving arms of her family. She was born January 20, 1947 to Edward and Dorothy Coffey (Caldwell) deceased, in Oakville, Ontario and grew up in Brantford, Ontario.

She is survived by her loving son Nathan Cowan (Sarah Blenkhorn) and daughter Deborah Koens (Mike), cousin Ron Coffey, grandson Briden Cowan, granddaughters Hayley and Breann Koens. She dearly loved her nieces Melissa Cowan, Moira Coffey, Carol Coffey (Jeff Anderson), Vicki Coffey (Greg Lapratt). She was also blessed with nephews Peter Coffey (Jenn Andrews-Coffey), Patrick Coffey and several great nieces and nephews.

Sharon was also a little sister to her two brothers, Grant Coffey, and John Coffey who always had her back (without judgment).

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Nathan’s Dad, Brian Cowan and several aunts and uncles and both sets of grandparents.

Sharon always appreciated that she grew up in the best of times, the 50’s and 60’s. A time of innocence for children. After university, she worked as a field worker for Brant County Social Services. It was there that she met Brian Cowan and they became the office romance. Their son Nathan was born April 23, 1975. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Fredericton, NB for Brian’s job with Harding Carpets based in Brantford. In 1976 they opened their flooring business. They had no money and by some divine intervention they succeeded. Sharon purchased a carpet and upholstery franchise, Roto Static. They were in business 15 years until Brian’s health meant they would have to sell.

From there Sharon achieved her Certificate of Business Management Development from UNB. Her life got interesting. She worked for Business Round Table in Fredericton and Saint John; Coordinator for the Step-Up mentoring program for women business owners; a Mary Kay Consultant for 20 years as a side business. At the age of 59 she took a leap of faith and became a Certified Co-Active Life Coach with the Coaches Training Institute based in California.

Sharon actively volunteered in her community: Relay for Life; Atlantic Association of Women Business Owners (AWBO); Chamber of Commerce and their Business Immigrant Mentoring Program. Especially close to her heart was her seventeen years as team leader for the LookGood/FeelBetter monthly workshops for women dealing with the effects of cancer treatments. This is a world-wide program supported by the cosmetic industry. When the ladies left the workshop, they walked taller. She was also a member of Power Talkers International, winning an international writing contest. Reading, writing and drawing were her favorite pass times, often sketching amusing caricatures.

For most of her life, Sharon lived with chronic pain. She was determined to push through it until her body finally said stop. That didn’t stop the joy and laughter that kept her going through life’s trials and tribulations. She loved and cherished her friends and loved meeting new friends and acquaintances.

She was an avid reader and travelled the world through the written word. Many years of aquacise in the YMCA pool kept her going. Sharon was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, a source joy, love, support and loads of fun.

Friends and family describe her as gutsy; indescribable; vivacious; unique; inspirational; indomitable spirit; strong; caring; sharing; swirling colours; humorous; life sustaining support; joyful and she loved to dance through life.

Donations may be made to the SPCA or charity of choice.

Celebration of Sharon’s life will take place at Nathan’s home Wednesday, April 23rd,2025. The address is 44 Theresa Street, Fredericton North. The hours are from 2 until 8 pm. His phone number is 506-470.2561. Family members from Ontario will be present.