Dixie was born November 27, 1942 in Salem, Illinois.
She was married to Charles Joseph Cocagne June 26, 1965 and they loved each other faithfully and lovingly for over 61 years.
The daughter of Richard Lee Roy Cowan and Helen Marie Schnepper Cowan. Dixie graduated from Richland County High School in Olney, Illinois in 1961. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in French from University of Illinois in 1965 and later a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Michigan. Dixie worked as a reference librarian in several jobs throughout her career.
Proceeded in death by her youngest son David Lee Cocagne, her parents Richard Lee Roy Cowan and Helen Marie Schnepper Cowan, her older brother Gary Cowan.
Survived by her husband of 61 years Charles Joseph Cocagne. Sons Andrew Joseph Cocagne (and wife Carole Anne Christie Cocagne) and Edward Francis Cocagne (and wife Panya Promsiri). Grandchildren Matthew Joseph Cocagne, Natalie Elizabeth Cocagne Williamson, and Arthur Thanakorn Cocagne.
Dixie was very active in the American Association of University Women. She was an active reader and compiled many memoirs of her life with Charlie. She loved to travel and she logged an extensive list of wonderful destinations and experiences. She loved music, leading the church choir at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Carleton for several years, playing the piano, and singing in several church choirs and other singing ensembles.
Orange and blue were Dixie’s favorite color scheme as they represented two of her favorite things, The University of Illinois and the Detroit Tigers. The family requests that those attending services at the funeral home on Thursday to dress festively in those colors or teams’ gear.
Visitation will be Thursday September 24, 3:00pm to 7:00 pm with a Rosary Service at 6:00pm at Muehlig Funeral Home in Ann Arbor.
A memorial mass will be Friday September 25, 11:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Visitation at the church will begin at 10:30am. Her committal at St. Francis Memorial Garden on the church property will immediately follow the mass.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that well wishers give donations to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Ann Arbor Branch. Using this link: https://my.aauw.org/donation-product-detail
