Kelly Cowling
July 9, 1971 - April 12, 2024
Kelly Rene Cowling, 52 of Longmont, died April 12 after living many years with breast cancer.
She is the founder of Grey Havens Philosophy, and served as its executive director until her retirement due to illness. The nonprofit hosts programs for children through adults, both online and in-person. A typical Grey Havens event is never 'typical.' Participants enter into deep and critical thinking together, often through pop culture avenues. Tolkien literature, Dr. Who, Star Trek, films, books, television and comics all incited active conversations facilitated with care and respect. Thinking is fun, and Kelly made it open to all. “Everyone is a philosopher,” she encouraged. Even children developed thinking skills through story times. She brought philosophy discussions into libraries, senior centers, alternative high schools and homeless shelters. Many partner organizations include local libraries, brewing companies, schools, Firehouse Art Center, Hope for Longmont shelter and the Longmont Museum. She served on committees with the national Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) and attended several of its annual conventions.
Kelly was born July 9, 1971, in Fort Worth, Texas to James “Mickey” and Carolyn Cowling. She received her BA degree from Texas Wesleyan University, worked many years in Texas for child protective services and Planned Parenthood. She moved to Colorado to complete her masters in religious studies from Naropa University in Boulder. She loved to read, engage with pop culture, hike and travel. She was strong and determined, which allowed her to start her nonprofit and find a way to follow her passions while offering her gifts to wider communities. Kelly thought fast, listened well, remembered and stood firm in her well-considered beliefs. She encouraged others to do the same.
She is preceded in death by her father. Survivors include her mother, partner Todd Hawkins, sister Stacy (Daniel) Crouse, brothers Barry Cowling and Shane Baxter, her beloved fur baby Bronte Joy and many friends/coworkers.
Services in her honor will be Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. at Longmont United Church of Christ. Pastor Amelia Richardson Dress will officiate. Lunch and conversation (facilitated the Grey Havens way) will follow. Memorials in lieu of flowers are requested to Kelly's love and passion, Grey Havens Philosophy.
To learn more, visit the website: www.greyhavensgroup.org
Kelly’s Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 1st, 2024
11 am
Longmont United Church of Christ
1500 9th Ave
Longmont, CO 80501
Lunch & Conversation (facilitated the Grey Havens way) will follow
Make a Donation in Honor of Kelly
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kelly’s honor can be sent to
