Madeline Marie Cowell

Madeline Marie Cowell, 89, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016 at a Topeka hospital. She was born October 11, 1926 in Miltonvale, KS, the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Garretson) Shea.

Madeline graduated from Miltonvale High School and moved to Topeka in 1944. She was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad and later as a Proof Reader for the Secretary of State's office in Topeka.

Madeline was a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church. An accomplished golfer, she was a member of Shawnee Country Club for 42 years. She was active with the Kansas Women's Golf Association and served as editor of their "Golf Bag" publication from 1977 - 1989. She was also an artist, author and a poet; as well as a musician who sang, played clarinet, piano and guitar; and a comedic actress.

Madeline married Ralph Cowell on January 2, 1947 in Kansas City, KS. He preceded her in death in 1999. She was also preceded in death by their daughter, Jennifer Cowell (at age 13), another daughter, Deborah Cowell, one son, Steven Cowell, and one granddaughter, Rachel Stanway. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Francis Shea and Donald Shea.

Survivors include two children, Michael Cowell and Lucinda Ostler, seven grandchildren, Jesse Cowell, Tiffany Rangier, Brian Ostler, Jonathan Ostler, Charles Cowell, Sarah Cowell and Cintamani Cowell, numerous great-grandchildren and her siblings, William Shea, Sharon McCann and Betty Rundle.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. To leave the family a special message, please select the share memories option above.