Karen Cowan
Karen Cowan
SPOKANE — Karen Cowan passed away peacefully on Aug. 3, 2024, at Hospice House of Spokane surrounded by her friends and family. Karen was born on June 22, 1950, in St. Ignatius, and attended Ronan High School. She is survived by her two adult sons, Jeff Lee (55) and Aaron Swinkels (47).
Karen was a lifelong advocate of physical fitness and health education. She graduated from EWU with a degree In PE and Health Ed and worked as a PE teacher in Spokane’s District 81. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in education administration (Magna Cum Lade) at Gonzaga University and worked as the PE and Health coordinator for Spokane Public Schools. At the Age of 50, Karen co-founded Focused Fitness, a nationwide grant writing and curriculum development company whose clients included some of the biggest school districts in America.
Karen was a lifelong lover of the serenity and tranquility of lake life. She was an active member of the community of Spirit Lake, Idaho, where she had a lake home.
Karen was never short of ambition, creativity, or tenacity. Never a stranger to dancing, and quick with a smile; her friends would tell you she could add levity to any seemingly difficult situation. A friend to almost anyone she crossed paths with, she was always the first to lend a hand to those in need. She will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to know her.
There will be a graveside service on Monday, Aug. 26, at 3:30 p.m. at the Ronan Cemetery with a casual dinner reception at 5 p.m. at Karen’s condo in Polson, 602 Sixth Street, W.
