Elsie A. Cowan, 95, formerly of Lancaster, died Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Luther Acres Manor. Born in Intercourse, she was the daughter of the late Daniel P. and Amanda Eckman Stauffer. Elsie's husband Kenneth E. Cowan died in 2007.

She graduated from Paradise High School, attended practical nursing school and worked as a LPN and medical assistant for Dr. William Schaeffer in Lancaster for 23 years, retiring in 1980. Elsie was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and made the church banners. She enjoyed travel and camping with her husband. Elsie loved roughing it in their canvas tent and snorkeling on Montego Bay in the Virgin Islands. She made many Pysanky eggs.

Elsie is survived by her son John D., Cowan, husband of Sandra A. of Lancaster; 3 granddaughters, Kathy, wife of E. David Radtke of Mount Joy, Kristine Langerholc of Willow Street and Kimberly, wife of Len Jenkins of Philadelphia; and 10 great-grandchildren. Three brothers, Norman, Raymond and Paul Stauffer, and her daughter-in-law Judy Cowan, preceded Elsie in death.

A Memorial Service will take place 11 AM, Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church, with Rev. Stephen P. Verkouw officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Private Interment in Paradise Mennonite Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603.