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Judith E. Cowan, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, December 7, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born August 22, 1944 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Kirkwood and Catherine (Nolte) Petrie.
Judy had made her home in Sturgis since 1982. On June 6, 1964, she married the love of her life, Vernon Lee Cowan, Sr., in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, a devoted union of more than 61 years.
She retired in 2006 from Abbott Manufacturing in Sturgis following 20 years of dedicated employment. Prior to joining Abbott, she worked several years at the former Ames Department Store in Sturgis until its closing, and earlier in her life she was employed in Housing in Frankfurt, Germany, and as a nurse’s aide.
Judy enjoyed working on her computer and playing Farmville. She also loved collecting dolls and hand-sewing clothing for them, crocheting countless hats, mittens, and afghans over the years, and traveling whenever she could.
She is survived by her husband, Vernon; sons, Leon K. (Shelly) Cowan of Three Rivers and Timothy S. (Tammy) Cowan of Wolcottville, Indiana; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and her brother, James Petrie of Las Vegas, Nevada.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her son, Vernon Lee Cowan, Jr.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Friday, December 12th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Judith E. Cowan will begin immediately following the visitation at 1:00. Pastors Jerry “Lee” Overstreet and Richard “Boomer” Cowan will officiate. A graveside committal will follow at Sturgis Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be directed to Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032, or to Hackman Family Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 9, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
