Audena Linda Cowin

Audena L. Cowin, 85, died in August 2026 from complications following a June motor vehicle accident. Until the day of the accident, Audena remained active and engaged in the life she loved.

Born in New Jersey, in February 1941, Audena, was the only child of Edward and Marion. She grew up in New Jersey, attending local grammar and high schools, before continuing her education at Montclair State College.

Audena devoted more than 30 years to education, beginning her career as a Special Education teacher and later serving as the school librarian at Conackamack Middle School in Piscataway, New Jersey. She also enjoyed helping with the school musicals. She earned a master’s degree in creative arts education in the mid-1980s and later received a Certificate in Historic Preservation. She retired from education in 2003.

In retirement, Audena began quilting and collecting quilts. She put her Historic Preservation certificate to use by volunteering at Liberty Hall, a historic house museum in New Jersey, where she shared her lifelong passion for history and learning.

In 2008, Audena moved to Texas with her daughter, J. Emily, and they made their home together. Retirement brought new interests and adventures. She remained an avid quilter and lifelong reader. She loved traveling, particularly cruising, visiting the beach, and exploring Canada. She was also active at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, where she sang in the church choir and took private voice lessons. She maintained an active lifestyle and continued working out twice a week.

Audena was known for her intelligence, creativity, independence, and wonderfully dry sense of humor. She and Emily referred to their outings and travels as their “adventures.” When an adventure did not go according to plan, Audena's familiar response was, “We are not amused.”

Audena was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Marion, and Michael Cowin, her former husband. She is survived by her daughter, J. Emily, and by the many family members, friends, colleagues, students, and parishioners whose lives she touched.

Audena will be remembered for her sense of humor, love of learning, reading, music, quilting, travel, history, and the many adventures she shared with those she loved.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25th, 2026, at 11:00 am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, TX. Inurnment to follow at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church.