Edward Russell Cowles Jr

Edward “Ed” Cowles, Jr. of Randolph Center, Vermont entered into eternal rest on April 5, 2026 at Menig Nursing Home, surrounded by the love of his family and caregivers. Ed was born March 31, 1934 to Edward Russell and Glenna (Hunt) Cowles. He grew up on the family farm in Old Deerfield, Massachusetts, graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1952, and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. Following Ed’s service, he met the love of his life, Marjorie Emily Green. They wed in September 1957 and soon started their beloved family.

Ed's success in sales led the family to live in many places across New England. He served as a Singer Sewing Machine salesman and store manager, a John Deere salesman, and a salesman and office manager for Northeastern Log Homes. Upon retirement in 1999, Ed and Marjorie founded Cowles Quilting Machines, where Ed sold and serviced quilting machines and Marjorie machine-quilted works of art.

Ed and Marjorie shared many hobbies, including raising horses, collecting carriages, and restoring a stagecoach from Old Deerfield, which they entered into parades and special events. They renovated a 200-year-old farmhouse in Bath, NH, unveiling original murals by itinerant painter Rufus Porter. Ed also enjoyed woodworking, reading wartime novels, building model railroads, and gardening.

Ed's greatest gift to Marjorie was his loving care for her at home as she faced Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2021, Ed accepted her move to Menig Nursing Home and joined her there in August 2025. He remained devoted to her even as his health declined. His last words to many of us were “take care of Marjorie.”

Ed was predeceased by his parents and brother, John Cowles. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Cowles and their children, Sarah Isham (Charles Ballou) of Brookfield, VT; Julie Cowles (Brian Tjelta) of Alburg, VT; Edward Russell “Rusty” Cowles, III (Diane) of Bath, NH; and Esther Cowles (Peter Gauthier) of Barre, VT. He is also survived by his seven devoted grandchildren: Courtney Isham; Aislynn Ricker and Lauren Ricker; Brandon Tjelta; Karen Bellidoro (R.J.) and Kevin Cowles; Grace Gauthier (Ryan Hardy); and three great-grandsons.

The family is tremendously grateful to Menig Nursing Home for its compassionate care of Ed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Menig Nursing Home, 215 Tom Wicker Lane, Randolph Center, VT 05061.

A memorial service is planned for May 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT, followed by a reception at Bethany Church in Randolph, VT. Please visit Day Funeral Home for a more complete obituary.