Frances P. Cowan

Frances P. Cowan, 91, of Lewistown, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, at Valley View Haven. Born August 24, 1928, in Lewistown, she was a daughter of the late Lewis W. and Dorothy M. (Fagan) Yoder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: a sister, Esther Kauffman, a brother, Clyde Yoder, and son-in-law, Thomas Abbott.

She is survived by: her husband, Myron J. Cowan, of Lewistown; children, Susan M. Abbott, of Lewistown, Robert L. Cowan and wife, Carol Metzler, of Elizabethtown, and Ronald M. Cowan and wife, Gayle, of Lewistown; grandchildren, Shanna Cowan and companion, Harry Hasting, Casey Cowan and wife, Jolene Mattis, Amanda Biddle-Hile and husband, Orris; and five great-grandchildren; siblings, Sarah Espigh, of Lewistown, Nannie Irvin, of Mattawana, Robert Yoder, of Reedsville, Ronald Yoder, of Mattawana.

Frances was a member of the Pine Glen Church of the Brethren, belonging to the Work and Win class for years and always enjoyed helping out when needed. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and a terrific grandmother.  Early in life, she worked at GC Murphy’s and then became a farmer’s wife. She had a contagious smile that followed her throughout life.

Frances enjoyed making pies and cakes when asked to do so for local charities and events. She always took the time to help those in need. She would drive them to appointments or shop for necessities.  She made friends easily and was well-loved.  She will be sadly missed.

Frances enjoyed babysitting young children and stayed connected with them after adulthood. She was one of several neighbor mothers that watched over the children as they passed by on the way to the playground. Many of the children would come to visit her later in life.  

Fran’s other great passion was traveling, day trips with friends or family vacations to visit relatives. She traveled across the United States twice by car, once to Alaska and to the southwest. Fran and Myron would return with stories about the sites seen and people met along the way.

A reception for friends and family will begin at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at the Pine Glen Church of the Brethren, 61 Pine Glenn Road, Lewistown, followed by a family service at 2:30 pm with Reverend Randall Fiske officiating. Due to COVID-19 the family would like to be especially careful during this time and will not be scheduling a social gathering following the service. Please remember to wear masks.

Arrangements are under the care of Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Frances’s memory may be made to: Pine Glen Church of the Brethren, 87 Pine Glenn Road, Lewistown, PA 17044, or Alzheimer’s Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave. STE. 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.

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