Obituary

Mae Cowen (nee Wellman), age 104, beloved wife of the late Dr. John Cowen, happily married for 50 years; loving mother of Sandra Cowen and Elizabeth (Richard) Hilt; adored sister of the late Nelson Wellman; favorite aunt of Joanne Wellman; Mae cherished her much loved feline “child” the late Percy. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers for their devotion and dedication over the past decade. Mae was an accomplished teacher of business at Chicago City Colleges for 30 years. Due to the pandemic and out of concern for our extended family and friends, services and shiva will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago, www.anticruelty.org or Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. For information and condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 847-255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org

Guest Book & Memories

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May 11th, 2020

100 years young Joanne Wellman

When I attended Northwestern’s dental hygiene program at its downtown campus from 1975-1977, Aunt Mae became like a second mom to me. I would get on the L and figure out how to make my way to her and Uncle Jack’s home for a break from school on the weekends. She would often have a nice dinner for me, or we would get a Flukey’s hot dog on occasion. I didn’t know her well initially, growing up in CA, but after graduation, I would make a point of visiting her, Uncle Jack and Sandra on many occasions, including her 98th birthday 4 years ago. I remember that she and Jack had many friends, which I was so impressed with, and they loved to travel, which is where I must have gotten the travel bug. I always thought she was ahead of her time, teaching business classes at the local junior college. And surviving 2 cancers-she was a force of nature. RIP Mae. Give my love to Uncle Jack and my Dad and Grandma and Grandpa.

~Joanne Wellman
~niece, Sacramento, CA

May 10th, 2020

It was great luck to meet Mae and Jack on our Israel trip in 1972- I was just a teen and mom and I had a great time with them- Mom stayed in touch with Mae (and Jack) until her death over seven years ago. I remember her fondly as smart, funny, kind and always was interested in what i was doing. Mom loved the rhubarb from her garden and would add strawberries and bring them back to her and Jack. She showed me how to brew a proper pot of hot tea. Talk soon- So sorry- Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

~Sandy Starkman
~Long standing friend, Highland Park

  • Photo By Joanne Wellman : 100 years young

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