Rosemary Cowan (nee Stuesse), beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Port Charlotte, Fl, on June 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on September 15, 1934, Rosemary lived a life filled with love, laughter and exploration.

Rosemary's life was marked by her nearly 70-year marriage to her devoted husband, John "Don" Cowan. Their relationship is one of the greatest love stories, proof of their unwavering commitment and affection for one another. They were inseparable and rarely spent a night apart in all those years.

Together, Rosemary and Don raised seven children, and didn't let a growing family get in the way of their love for travel. Kids and babies would be packed in the station wagon, and away they would go on another camping adventure, or trek across the country. Entire summers were spent at the same campground, a home away from home.

After a lifetime of hard work, Rosemary and Don retired to Florida, which Rosemary would often refer to as Paradise. They built their home and lived there for over 30 years. Their children – Ken (deceased) Heidi Cowan, Kevin (Linda) Cowan, Kathy (Mark, deceased) Cowan Fischer, Brian (Teresa) Cowan, Karen (Bill, deceased) Pelant, Pam (Paul) Guilbault, and Carol (Bob) Budish—visited all the time. She was a proud grandmother to 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren Rosemary had a passion for travel, and together they traveled to almost every country in the world. They had it down to a science and never checked a bag! Alongside her love for travel, she found joy in bowling, joining a league and not minding that she was the oldest person. Rosemary also enjoyed her nightly cocktail (aka an Arf) which was part of their routine all their adult lives.

Rosemary was known for her non-judgmental nature and her steadfast refusal to gossip. Her approach to life was always optimistic, and she was a great listener. She was in the habit of taking notes on phone calls so that she could follow up on important events in everyone's lives.

A private celebration of life will take place with family when Don comes back to Wisconsin this summer.

A special thank you to fantastic neighbors that enabled Rosemary and Don to continue living in their home, unassisted. Roger and Renee, Dan & Denise.

Rosemary will be remembered for her love, kindness, and adventurous spirit. She will be deeply missed by Don and her family, her friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a great run and for that we are happy. May she rest in peace.