Obituary of Mary Ann Cowley

COWLEY (McQuillan), Mary Ann “Mac”, age 91, of Otsego, passed away on May 8th, 2019. She is preceded in death by her husband, H. Keith Cowley. She will be deeply missed by her children, Thomas (Gayle Townsend), Kathy (Tom) Pendroy, Kymm (Jeff Mead); grandchildren, Gena (Richard) Thompson, Gera Exire LaTour, Heidi Pendroy, Sarah (Bill) Lane, Laura (Tim) Rath; great grandchildren, Ira, Otis, and Geneieve Thompson; Hailey and Billy Lane; sister, Patricia Becker; many relatives and good friends. Mass 11am Monday, May 20th at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi.

Mary Ann grew up in Mahtomedi, where she met her husband Keith while they both worked at the White Bear Yacht Club while they were in high school. They were married on July 10, 1948.

Mary Ann and Keith grew their family while living in Mahtomedi and Stillwater. Mary Ann worked for Washington County as a Social Worker for 13 years.

Starting in 1967 Mary Ann and Keith got involved in raising, showing and breeding Great Danes. Mary Ann showed all their dogs to their champion titles, in both the US and in Canada. Many of the puppies they produced under their Kemac Great Danes kennel name went on to also become champions.

In 1972 they moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Along with their teenage daughter Kymm. Once in New Mexico, Mary Ann started working for a Navajo Indian jewelry company as the Director of HR. After several years she changed jobs and went to work for an Apple Computer company.

Their home overlooked the city Albuquerque – which is known as the Hot Air Balloon capitol of the world. They would often see hot air balloons float over their home, and every once in a while one a balloon would land in their back yard so they could visit with the balloon pilot and passengers. Inspired by the beauty of those hot air balloons, Mary Ann and Keith started a new hobby traveling to Hot Air Balloon shows, where they set up a booth to sell Hot Air Balloon themed trinkets and clothing.

In 2005 after both Mary Ann and Keith retired, they decided it was time to come “home” and moved back to Minnesota. They moved into an apartment in the lower level of daughter Kymm’s home. After Keith passed away on February 21, 2010, Mary Ann continued living with Kymm, her husband Jeff and several Great Danes.

Almost as soon as they were settled back in Minnesota, Mary Ann became very involved as a volunteer and Board of Director for the Great Dane Rescue of MN & WI. Up through the day she passed, Mary Ann was an avid supporter of the Rescue group and played a key role in helping to find for-ever homes for many Great Danes who were surrendered to the group.

Mary Ann’s strong will and soft spoken manner, combined with her willingness to share her vast first-hand knowledge of Great Danes has allowed many Great Danes to live out their lives with loving families.

As a tribute to her legacy and love of Great Danes, the family will accept donations to continue to support the work of the Great Dane Rescue and Sanctuary she so loved.