Mildred Ruth Cowan, 83, a 30-year resident of Lopez Island, passed away October 29, 2006. Millie was born in Huntington Park, California to Clarence B. and Emily E. (Mefford) Zimmerman. Beloved wife of Doug Cowan for 64 years, their deep love began when they were high school sweethearts. Doug says, “Other than the four years when I was in the service, we were together since we were 16.”

Millie is also survived by her sons and daughters-in-law — Doug, Jr. and Corinne of Bellevue, Tom and Tammy of Lopez and daughter Claudia and her husband Bob Bushey of Renton. Millie also leaves a niece Penny, who was like a daughter to her. She was preceded in death by her sister Evelyn, with whom she shared a lifetime of friendship and frequent laughter.

Millie was the devoted grandmother of seven: Kristina Muse, Matthew Cowan, Scott Cowan, Trisha Snyder, John Cowan, Eric Bergman and Greg Cowan. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.

Tom’s enthusiasm for Lopez Island encouraged his parents to move here in 1976. Soon after, in partnership with daughter-in-law Tammy Cowan, Millie opened the Enchanted Needle, a sewing and needlework shop in Lopez Village. With its comfortable atmosphere, Islanders frequently dropped by for lessons, yarn and conversation. “Regardless of how busy she was, she made herself available to help anyone with their needlework projects,” remembers Tammy.

Millie was an avid gardener, creative quilter and excellent cook. People were drawn to her friendly, joyful personality. Millie was an attentive listener and had the capacity for making everyone feel special. She was loyal and supportive. Doug, Jr. will always remember how she encouraged him to “reach for the stars.” Her radiant smile and laughing eyes will be missed by all, but her spirit lives within all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service was held Saturday, November 4 at Grace Episcopal Church. Arrangements were made by Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and San Juan Islands. Share memories of Millie and sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 12721 30th Ave., N.E., Suite 101, Seattle, Washington 98125-4312 or Lopez Hospice and Home Support, P.O. Box 747, Lopez, Washington 98261.