Kathleen Louise Cowan

Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in El Paso, Texas.

“Kay” was known for her beautiful smile and quick wittiness. A former model with an iconic

style—wearing black, white, and pink—she never went anywhere without her lipstick. But

fashion sense aside, Kay’s beauty shone from within: her enduring grace made an immeasurable

impact on all whose lives she touched.

She was born in Bellingham, Washington on March 7, 1931. First born of Leona and Elwood

Bond, she is survived by her children: Claire, William, and Jolie (husband Sergio Baca),

granddaughter, Desiree Baca (husband Vish Gopal), and sister, Shirley Peer, and was

predeceased by her husband William Cowan, and brothers: Douglas, Charles, and Larry Bond.

Kay graduated from Kelso High in 1949, and then attended Multnomah Bible College for one

year.  While in Portland she met Bill Cowan, whom she married on November 24, 1951.  They

moved to El Paso where Bill was stationed at Fort Bliss and welcomed three children together.

In 1964, Kay earned an Education degree from Texas Western College, which propelled her into

a 30-year long career teaching kindergarten and first grade at Scotsdale and LeBarron

Elementary. She gave students typing lessons using the program her mother developed, and also

enjoyed teaching children to swim. In 1981, Kay was recognized as Outstanding Teacher of

Ysleta I.S.D. 

Kay loved traveling to Cloudcroft, Branson, and back home to the Northwest to visit family and

friends. Other joys included tea and pizza parties, choir, Bible study, and piano, a talent which

she passed on to her granddaughter. 

A Celebration of Life will be held December 27, 2022: Visitation from 9:30-10:30, Memorial

Service from 10:30-11:30, and Reception from 11:30-12:30 at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460

George Dieter Drive. Interment will follow at 1:30 at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Drowning Prevention Coalition of El

Paso:

El Paso Community Foundation (Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso) 

P.O. Box 272

El Paso, Texas 79943

www.dpcelpaso.org/donate