Norma J. Cowen, 88, of Columbia City, died at 7:33 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident since 2011.

Born Dec. 17, 1930, in Wheatfield, she was a daughter of the late Homer C. and Alma M. (Cooper) Woosley. Her formative years were spent in Tefft, Indiana where she attended Tefft High School.

On Aug. 6, 1960, she was united in marriage to John T. Cowen. They made their home in the Columbia City area. John died on Sept. 11, 2010.

For 20 years, she worked for the former Strouse’s Menswear, Columbia City. The couple owned and operated the Goose Lake resort, then the Wolf Lake Bar, and finally the Crossroads Inn in Ligonier.

Always expanding her knowledge and keeping current, she was an avid reader. Embroidery and flower gardening kept her busy when not at work. She is fondly remembered for delicious fried chicken and her lemon cake. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda S. Needler of North Webster; grandchildren, Pamela (Gordon) Baker of Pierceton; and Niki (Mike) Groves of New Paris; four great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Beverly (Reedie) Shephard of North Judson, and Betty Christner of Warsaw.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Howard, and infant sister, and a brother, William Woosley.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will take place at a later date at the South Park Annex Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Heartland Hospice.