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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Cowley, Sue Rees

Age 86


COWLEY,
Sue Rees

January 1, 1930 -
March 31, 2016

Sue Rees Cowley peacefully passed away, surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 31, 2016 in Missoula, Montana.

She was born January 1, 1930, the first baby born in Auburn, Maine that year, to parents Mary Celinda Mitchell Rees and Alwyn Rees.

She graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, ME in 1948 and earned a business degree from Colby College in Maine in 1952.

She worked behind the scenes in radio in Boston, Massachusetts until her marriage to Jack Cowley in 1956.

She followed her husband through Germany and across the United States as he built his military career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.

In 1976, the family moved to Osburn, Idaho, where Sue continued her passion, raising six children with Jack.

Sue kept her tradition of having a finger in every pie.

She was involved in multiple local organizations: bridge clubs, golf groups, and supporting her children’s many endeavors.

She and Jack supported and taught in the Lookout Free Ski School for several years.

Also, Sue worked in a variety of capacities for the American Red Cross in the Silver Valley, including ensuring that service members could return home for family funerals, and assisting families who were victims of house fires.

She had a passion for education, supporting her children’s college education and that of children in the community through such organizations as the P.E.O.

and the A.A.U.W.

She continued to educate herself throughout her life, including becoming a proficient gardener of plants, raspberries, and vegetables, and reading countless books.

Her raspberry jam was an annual Christmas gift to family, and a staple in her kitchen.

Her generosity ensured her grandchildren would all be educated as well.

She was a faithful member of St. Alphonsus’ Parish in Wallace, ID, for several decades, serving in several capacities, including the Altar Society and the Parish Council.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ann Harriman, nephew Rhys Harriman, and her husband of 50 years, Jack.

She is survived by their children and spouses: Dennis Cowley and Julia Glass; Ann Cowley and Jep Edwards; John and Sheila Cowley; Mary Cowley and Chris Coppen; Trish and Dave O’Shea; Jane Cowley and Brian Losi; numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephew, and her brother-in-law Charles Harriman of Portland, ME.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Alphonsus’ Parish in Wallace, ID, on Saturday, June 25 at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Lookout free Ski School, or an educational or charitable organization of your choice.