Folsom Funeral Service

Lisa Wyman Cowley of Wellesley died peacefully on July 19, 2021, with her husband and daughter by her side, following a 9 month battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of fifty years Curtis J. Cowley, her daughter Martha Cowley of Chicago, her sister Sarah Cochrane of Chittenden, VT, her nephew Dundonald Cochrane of Wyoming, and by dozens of friends who loved her and supported her through the months of her illness, especially Sheila Boyle who visited her almost every day. A fun, active woman, Lisa was warmly embraced by her friends who cared dearly about her and are deeply saddened by her passing.

Lisa’s early life was full of many happy times exploring Concord, MA, socializing with friends, and summering at Newfound Lake, NH. After graduating from Briarcliff College in 1966, she began working in Boston at Aetna Casualty where she met her future husband Curt, who she married in 1971. They bought a home in Wellesley in 1978 when Lisa was expecting the joy of her life, her daughter Martha. Soon after they moved to Wellesley, Lisa became an active and popular member of the Wellesley Unitarian Universalist Church, and got involved in various community activities.

Lisa graduated from Concord Academy in 1964 and from Wellesley College in 1993 as a continuing education Davis Scholar, double-majoring in Art and Art History. She worked for 18 years at Wellesley College, first at the Wellesley Centers for Women and later as the Director of Friends of Art at the Davis Museum, where her duties included leading Wellesley College alumna on tours of private art collections at various sites around the country.

A talented artist herself, she carried an impeccable eye for style and color through many of her life’s decision. Never at a loss for an option, Lisa often enlightened her friends and family with her point of view, richly sprinkled with humor and insights. While accepting of other people, Lisa knew the proper conduct and etiquette for any situation and lived by those rules.

Lisa was great at maintaining relationships with women from as far back as high school, along with former neighbors and recent friends. She sincerely loved keeping current on the details of their lives and sharing her own activities. She was admired and prized by them and by her family who will greatly miss her. Lisa will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine warmth.

A date for a memorial service will be announced for the fall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lisa’s name to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02481

Comments(2)