In memory of Deb Cowdery

By Daniel Cowdery

Garvan brings together world-leading scientists and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to advance our understanding of disease, particularly cancer, autoimmunity and genetic disorders.β€―β€―We are a global leader in fundamental biomedical research and its translation. Our mission is to make discoveries that will improve health for all.Β  Learn more about Garvan's research here.Β 

Deb Cowdery lost her two-year battle to leiomyosarcoma on 3 August 2021 at the young age of 63. She lived her life selflessly caring for her family, friends and elderly parents. She dedicated her working life to caring for the sick, as a nurse and then as special needs teacher aide at a primary school right up until her leiomyosarcoma treatment options left her no choice. A truly beautiful soul was taken so early, during the covid pandemic, with little chance to spend time with her two grandchildren she truly loved and adored.

We hope that any donations you make help further research on sarcomas and help other families like ours reclaim the lives of their beloved and give them a better fighting chance against this rare yet terrible condition.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$240

Walking Group Friends

Daniel, we were so lucky to have your beautiful Mum in our lives. We will always remember her, especially when we see sunflowers, eat macaroons or hear her favourite song. We miss your our gorgeous friend Deb. πŸŒ»πŸ’–

$105.50

Janet Mogridge

Deb, You were a wonderful support and friend to me during and after the eleven years as my teacher aide. Nothing was too much trouble for you.. You gave tirelessly of your time and energies. Your compassion for all of the students in our care as well as your colleagues was evident every day. Thank you for all your dedication and love for all around you. We will never forget your laugh and the stories we shared, not to mention the coffees, gifts, cards & a few pranks. We will miss you so much. Love Janet

$52.75

Kerrie And Brenton Ekers

Heart felt condolences to you Daniel,Stewart and families. Deb gone but never forgotten πŸ’πŸ’πŸ€—

$105.50

Anonymous

$52.75

Michael And Kate Blackmore

We give this donation in memory of a beautiful friend who shared love and kindness with our family. Never to be forgotten.

$515

Jenni Jackson

$52.75

Cheryl Lynam

Daniel, I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. I was so looking forward to having a coffee and catch up with your beautiful mother and was not expecting this news. Our last conversation was of you and your gorgeous wife and of course her beautiful grandchildren! She spoke with such pride! This should be no surprise to you. I remember your first day in Yeat One when you and your mum arrived in my classroom with matching, sparkling eyes and smiles and I knew then that you were a very much loved little man. With two amazing parents you have indeed grown into an amazing young man. In the coming days I hope you and your dad find comfort in knowing that your beautiful mother touched the lives of so many.

$105.50

George & Nola Rogusz

To our beautiful and much loved friend, Little Deb. We will miss you but you are always with us in our hearts.

$105.50

Halinka & Bruce Bernhardt

A privilege to have had Deb in our lives for 40 years - a wonderful, kind, caring friend. We enjoyed many memorable fun times with Deb & Stewart. Precious memories❀️

$25

Joan Mccarthy

Hello Daniel, please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your beautiful mother. She was a lovely lady and friend of mine and my husband Rob. May God give you comfort and peace in your hearts and minds. Love Joan and Rob xx

$105.50

Lisa And David

Deb was always so caring with an amazing amount of strength.

$105.50

Brenda And Victor

It is with a broken heart and deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our much loved friend Deb. Both Deb and Stewart have been a big part of our lives and we will miss Deb so much, her wit, her recollective memory and her always caring attitude. Our friendship has gone way beyond just that, Deb and Stewie are part of our family in a sense and we will there to support Stewart, Daniel, Tess and the kids. We will always treasure the memories and good time, Deb you you will always in be in our hearts 🌻

$105.50

Jenny Doyle-brown

Daniel your mum was an inspiration to many. Deb’s kindness, compassion and sense of humour will never be forgotten. She was so proud of her family and delighted in sharing the latest stories and photos of her beautiful grandchildren. Her positive attitude throughout her cancer battle constantly amazed those around her. I feel blessed to have known her as a colleague and friend.

$1.02k

Anonymous

$100

Cathy And Steve O'brien

Daniel, we are absolutely blessed and privileged to have had your beautiful Mum come into our lives when our youngest son was a student at Mcdowall State School. We couldn’t of asked for a better special needs teacher aide in the whole universe. Our son would of never graduated year seven if not for your Mum. They say it takes a village to raise a child and your Mum was our entire village. From the bottom of our hearts thank you Stewart and Daniel for sharing your beautiful wife and Mum with us. Deb was our Angel during those difficult school years and may you all find some comfort in knowing that your beautiful Mum will be the best Guardian Angel watching over you all, especially her adored grand babies. Deb will never be forgotten, is deeply missed and will be forever in our hearts πŸ’•

$52.75

Pip White

Deb was always kind and gentle.

$105.50

Gaynor Kyle

I had the absolute pleasure of working with your Mum at McDowall State School for 18 years. She was indeed a beautiful, unique, selfless soul who made a huge difference to those children with special needs. They felt genuinely loved and cared for and many a child with special needs got to go away on camp because of Deb. I am quite certain that all the parents of these children realised that Deb was a special blessing gifted to them to make their life journey a little easier. My heart aches for your family at this time. The world was definitely a better place because of your Mum and I know she was so proud of you Daniel, your wife and children. I heard many a story over the years about you as you were growing up from motor bikes, to weddings, to births. Deb's heart overflowed with love for you all.

$105.50

Mary Emily Cavanagh

There was so much to admire about my friend, Deb. Her great capacity for kindness, patience and love; Her gentle, nurturing nature; Her absolutely wicked sense of humour; Her delight in, and love for her family; Her ongoing positivity; Her incredible courage and willpower. Deb will be sorely missed…. Mary xoxoxo

$105.50

Maureen & Tim

We have very pleasant memories of Debbie - there will be many a tale and tear over the coming weeks. Debbie was known for her soft and caring side. She had the uncanny ability to make everyone feel comfortable in her company. Our lives are happier, richer and more beautiful because of Debbie. We will miss a caring and kind friend and a wonderful person.

$25

Naomi Thistlethwaite

Deb, you'll be missed by many but mostly by your family 🌻

$79.13

Terese Cousar

Daniel you had a very special Mum. She was always so proud of you and kept me up to date on your achievements and life journey. She was was one of the most caring people I have met. She worked with many students that were in my class over many years, always full of good humour and wanting the best for each and every one. She will be missed by many.

$105.50

Stephen Simonds

Hard to believe that you are gone Deb. I remember you as a good friend and colleague . Always with a sense of humour and full of care, kindness and compassion with everyone you knew. You added to so much to your support at McDowell for both students and colleagues alike. I send my sincere condolences to Stewart, Daniel and all your family. Love Steve Simonds

$105.50

Daniel