F. Virginia Cowling died on Nov. 14 at her home in Suquamish. She was 92 years old, and was preceded in death by her mother and father, Flora and Eli Jones, and her brother, Morland Jones. Her final wish was realized with the acceptance of her body for research by the University of Washington Medical Center.
Cowling was born in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 27, 1916, grew up in Spokane, receiving graduate and post graduate degrees from the University of Washington in Seattle. It was there that she met her husband-to-be, William “Bill” Cowling. They were married in Seattle on February 13, 1937.
Virginia was a supervisory case worker at the King County Welfare Department, a psychiatric social worker and clinical instructor at the University of Washington Child Psychiatric Clinic, a social worker at Shoreline School District, and the executive director of the Travelers Aid Society, Seattle.
Virginia and Bill purchased forest acreage with two streams near Suquamish, Washington in 1967. They built their home on this beautiful land and moved there permanently in 1972. With their permission and support, the Suquamish Tribe built their first hatchery on the two Cowling streams in 1977. Bill passed away at home in 1982 and his ashes were spread among the trees overlooking the streams.
Described by her friends as an astounding person – generous, caring, magnificent and brilliant – Virginia was quick to see the value of new ideas and to support them. She was a charter member of KCTS, Group Health Cooperative, and REI, and supported many national and local charitable organizations. These included the American Friends Service Committee, Seattle Foundation, Group Health Community Foundation, Stillwaters Environmental Education Center, Great Peninsula Conservancy, Friends of Miller Bay and Suquamish Olalla Neighbors. She was a powerful advocate for the environment and for better relations between the local Native American and non-native communities. The Suquamish Tribe recognized her as a Tribal Elder for her wisdom and sincerity, an honor she deeply appreciated as a caucasian woman.
Virginia’s home was donated to the Suquamish Tribe for the Tribe’s Salmon Center and will serve as the community gateway to the Cowling Creek Forest Preserve. The Cowling Creek Salmon Center will focus on education and research with the Tribe’s Cowling Creek Hatchery and beach seining programs. The Center will continue 32 years of cooperative salmon restoration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kitsap County, local cities, local schools, Trout Unlimited, Mid Puget Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group, and many other environmental organizations and private citizens.
Virginia’s ashes will be returned to her beloved land in a private ceremony to join her husband’s ashes. Her life will be celebrated with a noon memorial picnic on April 25th, 2009, at the Suquamish Tribe’s new Cowling Creek Salmon Center (20325 Miller Bay Road NE, Poulsbo). This will coincide with the Tribe’s 32nd annual release of salmon into Cowling Creek.
Remembrances may be made to the Cowling Creek Forest Preserve c/o the Great Peninsula Conservancy (www.greatpeninsula.org).
in Seattle on Feb. 13, 1937.
Virginia was a supervisory case worker at the King County Welfare Department, a psychiatric social worker and clinical instructor at the University of Washington Child Psychiatric Clinic, a social worker at Shoreline School District, and the executive director of the Travelers Aid Society, Seattle.
Virginia and Bill purchased forest acreage with two streams near Suquamish in 1967.
They built their home on this beautiful land and moved there permanently in 1972. With their permission and support, the Suquamish Tribe built their first hatchery on the two Cowling streams in 1977. Bill passed away at home in 1982 and his ashes were spread among the trees overlooking the streams.
She was a charter member of KCTS, Group Health Cooperative, and REI, and supported many national and local charitable organizations. These included the American Friends Service Committee, Seattle Foundation, Group Health Community Foundation, Stillwaters Environmental Education Center, Great Peninsula Conservancy, Friends of Miller Bay and Suquamish Olalla Neighbors.
Virginia’s home was donated to the Suquamish Tribe for the Tribe’s Salmon Center and will serve as the community gateway to the Cowling Creek Forest Preserve. The Cowling Creek Salmon Center will focus on education and research with the Tribe’s Cowling Creek Hatchery and beach seining programs. The Center will continue 32 years of cooperative salmon restoration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kitsap County, local cities, local schools, Trout Unlimited, Mid Puget Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group, and many other environmental organizations and private citizens.
Virginia’s ashes will be returned to her beloved land in a private ceremony to join her husband’s ashes. Her life will be celebrated with a noon memorial picnic on April 25th, 2009, at the Suquamish Tribe’s new Cowling Creek Salmon Center (20325 Miller Bay Road NE, Poulsbo). This will coincide with the Tribe’s 32nd annual release of salmon into Cowling Creek.
Remembrances may be made to the Cowling Creek Forest Preserve c/o the Great Peninsula Conservancy (www.greatpeninsula.org).
