Jane Elizabeth Cowan

Jane Elizabeth Cowan passed away on July 1st, 2026, at the age of 85, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario.

She was born Jane Elizabeth Elford to Jean and Glen Elford in Sudbury, Ontario on June 27th, 1941, and grew up in Sarnia, Ontario. Jane received her BFA in painting in 1964 from Mount Allison University, where she studied under Alex Colville.

She then lived in London, Ontario, before moving to New York City, where she met and married fellow artist and filmmaker Bob Cowan.

Jane returned to Canada in 1985 with her husband Bob and daughter Chris. They settled in Toronto, where she lived for the rest of her life.

Jane was a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, friend and always, an artist. She created artwork her entire life including experimental films, watercolors and photography; Jane was primarily a prolific abstract expressionist oil painter.

She had an uncanny ability to keep plants alive, would make unrivaled apple pies, and kept a minimum of two, preferably black, cats at all times.

Jane lived by her own terms and will be remembered for her unique approach to life, her fierce independence and her creativity.

Jane is survived by her daughter Chris Cowan, and her grandson Maximo Maldonado.

For information concerning the Celebration of Life for Jane Cowan, please email Chris at chriscowan@hotmail.com