Charlotte J Cowan

Born in 1929, Charlotte was the beautiful daughter of Alexander and Bess Jaffe. She was a lifelong Shaker Heights resident who lived in only two houses her entire life. Charlotte’s father passed away on a business trip in 1931 when she was 2 years old, so Char, along with her older sister Sally, were raised by single mom Bess. They were a power trio of remarkable women. The “Winslow Road Sisters” were inseparable until Sally’s passing in 2008.

A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) in 1951, Char was a passionate fine artist and art teacher, recognized for her award-winning enamel work, and for inspiring generations of young artists through her after-school art classes. Her popular “Gallery Goers” class for adults featured lunch dates followed by private artist studio tours — a winning combination. Charlotte ran the CIA’s Alumni Association Art Sale at Shaker Square for over 30 years. She was a proud conduit of the art community in her beloved Greater Cleveland.

While a student at CIA, Charlotte met her love, Richard Cowan, who was studying architecture at Western Reserve (Case Western Reserve University). They were a charming couple and married in 1951. Children Andy and Patty followed shortly afterwards. David was a happy addition in the swinging 60s.

Charlotte loved to read and was a librarian before beginning her career as an artist. She loved to draw and to write. She loved people and animals, nature and music, conversation and poetry, and gin on the rocks. Char enjoyed the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA), Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Playhouse, and Playhouse Square. She was a member of The Print Club of Cleveland from 1951 until the 2020s.

She did not embrace technology — never drove a car, owned a mobile phone or computer. Hand written cards and a land line were all she needed to communicate with her wonderful friends and students. Charlotte was inducted into the Shaker Heights HS Hall of Fame, joining prestigious alumni such as Paul Newman. She was a fan of the golden age of Hollywood and an avid movie goer. Frank Sinatra was her favorite crooner. Dear Charlotte, Billie Holiday sang it best, “I’ll be Seeing You.” Rest in peace, sweet Charlotte. And cheers to a life lived to its fullest.

Predeceased by her father Alexander, mother Bess, uncles Jack and Sam Jaffe, sister Sally Zimmer (Jaffe), brother in-law Irving Zimmer, son Andy Cowan, son in-law Michael Artino, and brother and sister in-law Fred and Joyce Cowan. Survived by daughter Patty Artino and son David Cowan, daughter in-law Jennifer LeMay; grandchildren Jesse (spouse Celina), Mia (spouse Tim), Spencer, and Reed; great-grandchildren Johann, Lou, Grant, and Audrey; nephews Alec and Bob Zimmer, Keith and Rob Cowan; nieces Susie Zimmer, Carla Tulchin; grandnephews Sam (spouse Sarah) and Ben (spouse Luis) Zimmer, and many more relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Susie and Bob Zimmer for overseeing and participating in their aunt Char’s care and the many wonderful caregivers who treated Char with dignity and compassion.

No visitations at this time.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Donations in Charlotte’s honor to the Cleveland Museum of Art or a charity of your choice.