Marie (Cowden-Duhamell) York

Marie (Cowden-Duhamell) York, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at her home in Morgantown surrounded by family and friends.

She was born May 13, 1947, in Indianapolis, to the late Jesse and Ada (Vanderploeg) Cowden. Marie married Robert “Bob” Duhamell in Morgantown on September 1, 1972; he preceded her in death on February 14, 1990. She later married Robert E. York on April 26, 1991, in Morgantown, and he preceded her in death on July 25, 2000.

Marie was a 1966 graduate of Morgantown High School. She loved people and became a Certified Nursing Assistant, caring for local residents at Henderson Nursing Home in Morgantown for 19 years before retiring in 2002.

Marie possessed an innocent naiveté and an unconditional belief in others, and she was always ready to try something new just for the experience. She was fun-loving and had a special way of bringing humor to any situation. Her family and friends fondly recall the many practical jokes that were played on her. Marie deeply loved her family and was especially proud of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.

She loved Elvis and collecting Elvis’s memorabilia and would often attend Elvis’s impersonator performances. One of her favorite trips was to Graceland. Marie also collected knives and Delft teapots. She enjoyed reading mystery and love stories and traveling. One of her lifelong goals was to visit lighthouses and climb to the top of each one. When her health no longer allowed her to climb, her dream was fulfilled through her daughter’s efforts. Marie had an adventurous, mischievous, and fearless spirit. Having never flown before, she took her first flight shortly after the 9/11 tragedy, stating, “If something happens, then it was just my time.” She especially loved visiting the Canadian side of Niagara Falls; and traveling to Scotland with her grandson, Andrew and to Europe with friends.

Marie felt her spiritual calling was to help others. At the age of 18, the Lord gifted her with a heart for caring for strangers, often helping hitchhikers with a ride and a hot meal. She never wanted anyone she knew to be in need. Marie was a member of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Morgantown and the American War Mothers. She also volunteered for three years with the Ladies Auxiliary Escort Services at the Veterans Hospital in Indianapolis, assisting patients in getting to their appointments.

Marie will be deeply missed by her two children, Angela M. Smith of Morgantown and Robert L. “Bobby” (Jo) Duhamell of Franklin; one sister, Laura Jane Brzeski of Morgantown; stepson, Randy (Jean) Duhamell of Auburn; grandchildren, Shelby (Chase) Smith-Martin, Crystal (Brock) Hardiman, Josh Dillon, Brandon Duhamell, Elizabeth Park, Riley Duhamell, Adon Hudson and Preston (Celeste) Crooke; great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Audrey, Wesley, Makenzie, Xavier, Hadlee, Deacon, James, Mia and Meleah; great-great granddaughter, Aubrielle; nephew, Thomas (Estrella) Brezeski; cousin, Robert Vanderploeg, who she considered her brother; many beloved nieces and nephews; and several close friends.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Marie was preceded in death by her son, Jesse E. Duhamell; stepdaughter, Sandy Duhamell; stepdaughter, Kandy Dillon; and grandson, Andrew St. John.

Marie’s wishes were for family and friends to gather and share memories of her life during a Celebration of Life Gathering on Monday, January 5th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street, Morgantown.  

Marie requested that, in lieu of flowers, a love offering be made to support her daughter, Angela Smith, who lovingly and tirelessly cared for her for the past 23 years, or that memorial contributions be made in Marie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Online expressions of caring and kindness may be made to Marie’s family at meredith-clark.com

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