Obituary of Marie Ellen Cowie

On March 2, 1928, Grace (Ward) and Gordon Gillespie, delivered their first child, Marie, in their home in a section of Blissfield, NB often referred to as “The Hollow”. Two years later (1930), Marie’s brother Eldon was born and another 2 years after in1932 Robert came along. Then Grace and Gordon took a bit of breather before adding Merlin to the family in 1937. Worrying the boys might be too much for Marie to handle, Gordon and Grace, gave her a sister, Joyce (Ballard) in 1946.

Marie married James (Jimmy) Cowie, Sr. and had 3 children: Phyllis (Kerr), James and Faye. Being a careful planner and time manager, she conveniently spaced out the deliveries 5 years apart.

Marie was a hard worker, tending to three children, a large vegetable garden and later working side by side with Jimmy as a mechanic. Their vegetable gardens were always plentiful and generously shared with friends and neighbours as fresh produce or as jams, pickles and chows.

Although her academic schooling was limited, Marie was very talented, in particular her dressmaking skills. Later, however, it was her mechanical prowess that caught the community’s attention. Marie was often seen in her coveralls head first and bottom up inside a piece of heavy equipment or vehicle while working with Jimmy.

At age 60, Marie embarked on a journey of independence. Feeling too young to retire, she worked as live-in home care provider until she was in her 70’s.

With a steady income, her first order of business was to buy a car as her motto was “have wheels- will travel”. She upgraded her cars several times, continuing to drive until she was in her 90’s. Service mechanics were always impressed with her trunk full of tools, ready for any emergency or repair.

She loved to travel, never missing an opportunity to hop in a vehicle if anyone asked her to tag along. She particularly enjoyed bus tours, often with her brother, Eldon and his wife Vera. Her most adventurous trip was an Alaskan cruise.

Besides cars and travel, her biggest achievement was purchasing her own home in Doaktown which she had customized to just the way she wanted it. She loved her home and enjoyed hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

Of course, her dinner parties were not complete without dessert, so guests were guaranteed a sweet finale. When asked if she should perhaps cut back on the “sweets”, her immediate reply was “no, I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable”.

Marie always kept busy. When not gardening, cooking “sweets”, traveling to Fredericton or Newcastle at least once a week, having Saturday night Chinese dinner in Miramichi with her brothers or playing cards with her friend Dee Wetzel, she was making beautiful handmade quilts.

Marie was always happy, kind, enjoyed life and loved by everyone. She laughed easily and particularly liked to entertain everyone by telling an occasional naughty joke.

After 36 years of living on her own and doing what she wanted to do, Marie graciously accepted it was no longer feasible for her to stay in her own home and moved to Losier Hall in Miramichi in January 2024.

Having lived a full life with few regrets, Marie passed away 96 years young on September 30, 2024 at Losier Hall, Miramichi, NB.

Marie was pre-deceased by her parents, Gordon and Grace Gillespie, sister, Joyce (Ballard) and ex-husband, Jame Cowie, Sr.

She is survived by 3 brothers: Eldon, Robert, and Merlin, all of Blackville, NB. She is also survived by her 3 children: Phyllis (Kerr) of Fredericton, NB, James of Miramichi, NB and Faye of Nelson Hollow, NB; 6 grandchildren: Shelley Kerr (Vaughan, NS), Graham Kerr (Fredericton, NB), Tammy Anthony (Nelson Hollow, NB), Timmy Cowie (Nelson Hollow, NB), Trevor Cowie (Doaktown, NB) and Tyson Cowie (Thunder Bay, ON); and 5 great-grandchildren Hannah Olivia, Megan, Katlyn and T.J.

A special thanks to Dr. Heman Chow for being a friend and attending to her medical needs. Also, many thanks to all the home care workers that made it possible for Marie to stay in her home as long as possible and to the Losier Hall staff for their compassionate care, especially during her last days.

Visitation will take place at Miramichi Valley Chapel, New Brandon, NB on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 pm; followed by interment at the Upper Blackville Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Cross or a charity of the donor's choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com