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Suzanne Cowan of Albuquerque passed away October 3, 2001 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Pierre, South Dakota on January 31, 1955, Suzanne served as the Registrar at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque. Her more than ll-year tenure at the Museum was marked by distinction and an unending commitment that served as an inspiration to her colleagues. Suzanne was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Cowan, of Pierre. She is survived by her Uncle Leo, who helped raise her, and it is common knowledge that Suzanne brought a sparkle to his eye. She had numerous cousins, many of whom live in South Dakota, with others living in all parts of the country. Suzanne left South Dakota in her early teens, moving to San Diego. She attended San Diego City College and Monterey Peninsula College prior to receiving a BA degree in Anthropology from UCLA. She received an MA in Biological Anthropology from UNM, and did coursework for a Ph.D. in Bio-Social Anthropology at UNM. Prior to her employment at the Museum, Suzanne worked at the Chaco Center National Park Service in Albuquerque, and for the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in Albuquerque. She served in the United States Navy and following active duty was in the Navy Reserve for several years. Suzanne was a major fan of the San Francisco 49ers, and she had many other interests, including anthropology, native cultures, and gems and minerals. Her concern and knowledge in this field led to the acquisition of many superior examples for the Natural History Museum's permanent gem and mineral collection. She had an honorable and enviable love of animals, especially Samoyeds, of which she had several during the course of her life. She was especially happy to learn in her final days that her friends had agreed to love and care for her beloved Samoyed Kodiak and her cat Smokey. With the help of a dear friend, Suzannes wish that she be cremated and that her remains be mingled with those of her mother, and then scattered in Monterey, California, will be realized. The Natural History Museum has scheduled a memorial at the Museum to honor Suzanne and her memory at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2001. Donations may be made to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation's Gem and Mineral Acquisition Fund, PO Box 7010 Albuquerque, NM. 87194. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008
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