Marlys J. Cowan, devoted church member

Marlys J. Cowan, 89, of Lewes, passed away at home Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was born Aug. 26, 1933, in Decatur, Iowa. She was the daughter of the late Jesse and Ethel (Hale) Coffin.

Marlys graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1951. She married the love of her life, William Lawrence Cowan, Dec. 20, 1951, at First Lutheran Church in Ottumwa. Bill was enlisted in the Navy, and after they were married, they were stationed in San Diego, Jacksonville and Sanford, Fla., Alameda, Calif., Memphis, Tenn., and Puerto Rico. Through their travels, Marlys cared for their children and home.

In 1964, the Cowan family settled in Lewes, where they knew they had finally found their forever home. Marlys continued to raise her family in Lewes while Bill was stationed in Spain, Iceland and Cuba.

Marlys was a devoted and active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes. In the past, she held several positions in the Episcopal Church, including president of ECW, serving on the vestry, and past senior and junior warden.

Marlys was a proud homemaker, and was at her happiest when her whole family was at her house together. She truly loved her girlfriends, her Bob Evans buddies, her adopted hometown of Lewes and her beloved poodle, Bella.

In addition to her parents, Marlys was preceded in death by her siblings, Vernice McClure, John Coffin and Frances Shumaker. She is survived by her children, Michelle Cowan Roenke, Bill Cowan Jr.  (Jeannette) and Jill Cowan Stevens; her grandchildren, Maggie Cowan Thompson (Josh), Pierson Roenke (Allie), Alex Roenke Cirone (James) and Sarah Stevens; her great-grandchildren, George Thompson, Maisie Thompson, Wynn Roenke, Penelope Cirone and Peter Roenke III; and her treasured Iowa Family.

A ceremony and burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a charity of choice.

Visit Marlys’ Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.