CORNVILLE – Janan Cowles, 63, of Cornville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Janan was born Jan. 8, 1960, in Austin, Texas, and she proudly called Texas her home for most of her life. Growing up Janan enjoyed riding horses and caring for her many pets and rescue animals that would somehow find their way to her, a trend that continued for the rest of her life.

In 1984, she married the love of her life Donald Cowles Jr. They traveled and lived in many places including Utah, New Hampshire, Texas, Pennsylvania, and settled in Cornville, Maine, which was their home for the last 25 years.

Together Don and Janan had three children and 11 grandchildren. Janan’s family was her pride and joy and she was happiest when she was surrounded by all of her babies cooking her famous cheese dip and other Texas favorites. She was known to most people as “Mema”, and her true passion was being Mema and Mom to everyone she could. Her home was always open to any of her children’s friends and often became a hub for hangouts, campfires, and cornhole games.

Over the years Janan worked as an animal control officer, 911 dispatcher, and owned the Pooch Parlor dog grooming shop in Friendswood, Texas, for many years. She began working with at-risk children and youth in 2000, first at Good-Will Hinckley, and then she and Don were therapeutic foster parents at The Spurwink School for over a decade, fostering many children whose lives were impacted by their care. She most recently worked at Marti Stevens Learning Center, where she enjoyed helping teenagers be successful and finish high school.

Her tenacious spirit and grit helped Janan overcome many difficulties. Even when she was diagnosed with leukemia she stayed positive and everyone around her was amazed by her courage, humor, and optimism. Janan’s spirit will continue to live on in the next generations of her family as they emulate the unconditional love that she poured into them every day.

Janan is survived by her three children, Alisha Pike (Howie), Amanda Welch (Michael), and Donald Cowles III (Brooke); grandbabies, Michael, Nicholas, Noah, Austin, Shelby, Mason, Violet, Brady, Isabella, Noble, and Victoria; several nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and so many special friends and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Cowles Jr., mother, Marcelle Lippman, sister Hope Atteberry, and her precious nephew Jared Atteberry. She also leaves behind her three faithful canine companions, Jack, Willie, and Toby, who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Janan’s life will be held on Thursday, November 2, at 3 p.m., at The Church of The Open Bible in Athens, Maine, followed by a burial at Collins Ceremony. Guests are then invited to join the family for a reception at the church immediately after.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Orlando Health and Dana Farber Cancer Institutes for the care and compassion they provided to Janan, particularly two very special nurses, Lauren and Kia, who made her long stay in Orlando a little bit easier.

“…and the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air…”

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the benefit the victims and families of the Lewiston, Maine tragedy at:

Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund

Maine Community Foundation

245 Main Street

Ellsworth, ME 04605

https://www.mainecf.org/initiatives-impact/lewiston-auburn-area-response-fund/

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