COWAN, Reta Marion (nee Sinden)
Reta, beloved wife of Leroy Cowan, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the age of 84 years.
Reta was born in Paddockwood, SK on October 12, 1930 to Jonas (Jack) and Edna Sinden.Reta had 3 devoted sisters: Lois (Glenn McLachlan), Freda (Larry Martin) and Betty (Pat Nally). The girls relished in much love and laughter on their homestead at Paddockwood and they remained very close throughout the years. Reta moved with her family to Swift Current, Saskatchewan when she was in grade 8. After graduating from Business College in Swift Current, Reta moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1949 where she was employed by Nabob Foods. After working in Calgary for a few years Reta went back to Swift Current to marry the love of her life, Leroy Cowan, on October 14, 1950. Together they set up their home in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. Reta and Leroy (Roy) raised three children: Janet, Gary (Laurie) and Dianne (Trevor). In between raising children Reta worked at a few different jobs in Shaunavon. She was the Town Librarian, Binkley’s Pharmacy sales clerk, a seamstress at Needles & Pins and eventually worked at the Gallery of Gold as sales clerk and bookkeeper. Reta continued to work for the Goldstein’s as bookkeeper until her retirement at 75 years of age. Reta was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Patrick Musgrave (Beth), Amy (Ray Casson) and David Musgrave; Garret, Jenna and Morgan Cowan, Dwight and Nicole Bitz and six great-grandchildren Caitlyn and Keira Musgrave; Colin, Connor and Cameron Casson and Lennon Cowan. Reta loved each and every one of them with her whole heart. She loved reading stories to them and sewing and knitting special things for them.
Reta’s philosophy was laugh often, love unconditionally, watch baseball (Blue Jays), to keep out of the kitchen if possible and to play a great game of bridge. Reta loved playing cards with her many friends and belonged to a few different bridge clubs, often playing every day. She belonged to one of the clubs for 61 years which was started when her children were just little. When it was bridge night at the Cowan house we knew to stay clear but boy the snacks were delicious!
Reta led a full happy life with her husband of 64 years, Roy and her family, playing bridge with her friends, with her Church, and working for Goldstein's. We will miss her Smiling Face and Free Spirit.
Reta was predeceased by her mother and father, Edna and Jack Sinden, two sisters, Freda and Lois, mother-In-law Irene Cowan, father-in-law James Cowan and brothers-in-law Floyd and Gerry Cowan.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Centre Street United Church, located on the corner Centre Street and 6th Avenue East, Shaunavon on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Minister Shelby Kinrade officiating. Leslie Goldstein will present the eulogy. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.Binkleys.com. Binkley’s Funeral Service of Shaunavon is in charge of the arrangements and can be contacted at 306-297-2412 or toll free at 1-877-BINKLEY (1-877-246-5539) for more information.