Mary Jane (Brostowicz) Cowan passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on August 28, 1944, in Yonkers, New York, she was the daughter of Walter and Elaine Brostowicz. Mary Jane was a fighter from the get-go. She bravely overcame polio as a child in 1954 and later battled post-polio syndrome and Parkinson's disease from 2012 onward. Born and raised in Yonkers where she spent her childhood and early years before relocating to Kansas City in 1971 to start her family.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary Jane found joy exploring the world during her younger years and later cherished cross-country road trips with her husband, Bob and friends from the Touch of Glass Corvette Club. Her happy place that refreshed her soul was spending time at the beach, where she found tranquility taking in the ocean air and listening to the ocean. Her love for the ocean made the poem 'Footprints in the Sand' especially meaningful to her. She was known to be a talker (when upset her New York accent would sneak out), a great listener,  always had a smile on her face, the fun / cool mom, and of course we have to add that she was the queen of dilly dallying and would be late to her own funeral if it was up to her.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Elaine Brostowic; her husband of 27 years, Robert Cowan; several close relatives; close friends; and the father of her two daughters, Vincent Guarino. She is survived by her daughters, Dina Mireles (Greg) and Lauren Ray (Joe); grandchildren Vincent, Caroline, and Sam Ray; brother Walter Brostowicz (Linda); nephews Greg Brostowicz and Brian Brostowicz (Fatima); great nephew Dylan Brostowicz; and great niece Amalia Brostowicz.

Mary Jane will be greatly missed, but we find comfort knowing she is now free from the limitations of Parkinson's disease, reunited with her husband, and once again dancing and singing with her father.

Until we meet again, we love you more and you will always be our "forever sunshine"!

Mary Jane's family expresses sincere gratitude to all caretakers and medical staff who provided care over the past decade, especially caretaker Yolanda Taylor and the Elevate Hospice team. We are forever grateful for your care and support and could not have done this journey without them.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Kansas City North. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.  A private burial for immediate family will take place later that afternoon at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or Masses in her memory.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com