Remembering Gloria Bernadette Cowan

In Loving Memory

Gloria Bernadette Cowan (née Legault)
February 2, 1944 – May 12, 2026

With heavy hearts the family of Gloria Cowan announces her peaceful passing at the Villa Retirement Home, with her beloved Jack (John) by her side. She was 82 years old.

Gloria shared nearly 64 years of marriage with Jack, a partnership built on loyalty, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Together they created a home where helping others was a way of life, coffee was always on, and nobody ever left hungry.

She was the proud and loving mother of Carl (Anita) and Donna (Carl), and a devoted Granny to Dustin Cowan (Alison) and Hannah Venter (Matthew). Nothing brought Gloria greater pride than her family, though she was equally proud of the many people she “adopted” along the way — nieces, nephews, neighbours, friends, and anyone else lucky enough to fall under her watchful care.

Born to Alcide Legault and Exilda Beaudoin, Gloria came from a long line of strong French Métis women. She was predeceased by her parents; her infant son Joseph; her siblings Arthur Legault (Barb), Veronica Cowan (Max), Marion Lediard Sherman (Frank), Helen Robitaille (Leger), Lorette Robitaille Pauzé (Urgel and Eric), Cleo, Leo and Omer Legault; as well as her cherished Uncle Patrick Beaudoin and Aunt Annette Beaudoin Shaw.

Gloria’s life was defined by hard work, generosity, and grit. From her early days waitressing at The Globe Restaurant to her later years working alongside her nephew at the local paint and window fixtures shop, she never shied away from a day’s work.

She was a dedicated hockey mom in every sense of the word — travelling across the province through snowstorms and weekend tournaments. Her commitment to young players and to her community led her to serve in many roles, including President of the Penetang Little NHL, each one carried out with determination and passion.

Gloria also had a playful side that everyone knew well. She loved bingo with the enthusiasm of a seasoned competitor and the optimism of someone certain the next number called would finally be hers. Whether surrounded by family at the kitchen table or friends at the bingo hall; or kicking off her shoes at a family wedding to jump on the dance floor with her brother Art, she brought laughter, storytelling, and a spark that made ordinary moments memorable. Gloria leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, good neighbours, and lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes 290 First St, Midland Ontario (705-526-6551).

Visitation Thursday May 21 from 11:00 - 1:00, Service @1:00  with reception to follow.

Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery - 655 King St, Midland, Ontario

Friday, May 22^nd at 10am

Out of respect for those with sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.