Iva Elaine Cowsill, known to most as Elaine, 88, died on September 13, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith, service, and devotion to her family and community. Born in Severn, Maryland, on August 23, 1938, she was the daughter of Stanley Boone Warfield and Iva G. (Stinchcomb) Warfield. Elaine remained a lifelong resident of Severn throughout her life. 

Elaine graduated from Arundel High School in 1956. In 1961, she married William E. Cowsill and recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. She worked at Fort Meade as a secretary from 1956 to 1964. After taking time off to raise their two children, she went back to work where she dedicated over 34 years of faithful service as a secretary for Anne Arundel County Public Schools before retiring in 2008. A woman of deep faith, Elaine was a former member of Severn United Methodist Church (now known as The Gathering Faith Community). She was deeply involved in church life and shared her love of music by singing in the choir. She was also an active member of the Glen Burnie Elks Ladies Auxiliary, serving as chaplain at one point. In her personal time, Elaine loved camping, family gatherings for Holidays, Birthdays and Reunions, going on cruises, spending time with friends, taking trips to the Amish Country in Pennsylvania, going to Ocean City in the Fall, and attending Orioles Games. She also enjoyed completing word searches, crossword puzzles and watching her favorite soap opera, "General Hospital." She was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Boone Warfield and Iva G. (Stinchcomb) Warfield; her brother, Wayne Stanley Warfield; and her son-in-law, Roger E. Franz. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, William E. Cowsill of Severn; children, William Bryce Cowsill of Martinsburg, WV, and Sandra Dawn Franz of Severn; and her grandchildren, Catie and Bryce Cowsill.

Family and friends may visit at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on Monday, 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment at Glen Haven Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine's memory to: The Gathering Faith Community in Hanover, MD (www.gatheringfaithcommunity.org).