Susan J. Cowden

Susan J. Cowden October 1, 1941-July 3, 2026

Susan J. Cowden was born in Lancaster, Ohio to Edward F. Cowden and Nancy J. (Gardner) Cowden. Susan’s talent as a flutist was evident early and she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Michigan. She won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music where she studied under the principal flutist for the London Symphony Orchestra, Geoffrey Gilbert and became the principal flutist for the student orchestra. 

After her return to the U.S., she taught music and performed in ensembles as well as periodic solo concerts. For many years, she worked at the Ohio State University Moritz Library, where she faithfully opened it by 7 a.m., no matter how inclement the weather.

 Susan loved living on the farm, where she gardened and took care of horses, dogs and cats. She loved nature and was interested in ecology and environmental causes. Susan had a keen and agile mind made sharper by her love of reading. Susan was soft- spoken and her humor, though wry, was ever-present and always presented with a special glint in her eye. 

Former member of the Rockey Fork Headly Hunt and Beaglers. 

Susan was proceded in death by her parents, friend Linda DeLong, Bev McMahon, and her accompanists Verena Dambrans and Harriet Green. Susan is survived by good friends Mark and Dawn McCoy, Carol Roman, Laura Gaines, Mary Ellen Renck, Janice Paiewonsky, Julie Callahan, Philip Taylor, Catherine Bennett, Barbara Greenberg, Kaylie Vermillion, Helen Chirakos, Kate Pouch, Polly Lindemann, Gretchen Corban, Susie Preston, Rosemarie Trbovich, Dave and Junor Burgess, Sam Martin, in England Ross Thomson, Celia Hall and Hiliary Olleson. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.