Mary Katharine “Kathy” Cowden, 83, of Hummelstown, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. Born on April 4, 1942, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Myles and Flora Buffington. Kathy was the beloved wife of the late Stephen Elbridge Cowden, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. A graduate of John Harris High School, Kathy began her career with PP&L before working with the American Cancer Society. She later found her greatest joy as a nanny, pouring her heart into caring for children including her two granddaughters, Meghan and Lauren Epler. Kathy lived life with energy, humor, and a love for fun. She was unapologetically herself — a loud, spirited “rabblerouser” who loved to stir the pot and make her presence known. Also a talented athlete, she played softball, volleyball, and basketball, and she was an accomplished bowler. She enjoyed singing and dancing, especially at Hersheypark’s live shows, where she became such a devoted fan that she proudly protested when the shows ended — even landing in the local news. She adored television dramas, especially Days of Our Lives, and rarely missed a chance to watch sports with a Diet Coke in hand, cheering (and yelling) from her chair. Kathy was a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan and she closely followed the Phillies, 76ers and Eagles. Her favorite player was “Michael Jack Schmidt,” and she treasured the memory of attending Veterans Stadium in person to see the Phillies play in the 1980 World Series. Kathy also loved animals, especially birds (her favorite was the cardinal), deer, and dogs. Kathy made it a priority to attend every significant event for her grandchildren including games, meets, tournaments, recitals, concerts, graduations, and parties. She would always cheer loudly, hug warmly, and celebrate her family at her favorite restaurants. Kathy spent her final years in Phoenix, Arizona, with her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters Emma and Averie, becoming a proud part of the “Arizona Cowdens.” She also thrived in her assisted living community, where her spirited personality made her the unofficial “Mayor.” She loved keeping the energy alive by sharing lists of favorite songs with the music man and her fellow residents. She is survived by her daughter, Susan M. Epler of Hummelstown; her son, Stephen M. Cowden, and daughter-in-law, Karie Cowden, of Phoenix, AZ; her son-in-law, Michael Epler; and her grandchildren, Meghan Epler of Lancaster, Lauren Epler of Hummelstown, and Emma and Averie Cowden of Phoenix, AZ. She was preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Louise Quinn, in 2018. A service and funeral will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., where Kathy will be laid to rest with her husband, Stephen. Kathy will be remembered for her bold spirit and her laughter. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her energy and stories will live on in all who loved her.