ILION – Mrs. Anna O. Cowen, age 87, a former longtime resident of Ilion, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2011, at St. Luke's Home in New Hartford. She was born on October 29, 1923, in Herkimer, daughter of the late Walter and Anna (Beran) Bereza, and received her education in Herkimer schools. On August 21, 1943, she was united in marriage with Kenneth G. Cowen, Sr. The couple shared in a fifty year union. He died on November 22, 1993. Anna had worked for several years as a clerk with the Ilion Light Office, having retired from that position. She was a communicant of the Church of Annunciation, Ilion. She is survived by her daughter, Pat Rava and her husband, Leon, of Rome, NY; a son, Ken Cowen and his wife, Sandy, of Myrtle Beach, SC; six grandchildren, Lori Dennison (Clinton), Scott Rava (Niskayuna), Paul Rava (Sharon,MA), Missy Lockwood (Frankfort), Jeff Cowen (Marcy) and Matt Cowen (Horseheads); eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Henry & Wencel Bereza, and two sisters, Mary Bereza and Emily Brown. A private family visitation and funeral service will be held at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, with a religious service offered by Deacon James Bower of the Church of Annunciation, Ilion. Interment will take place later this spring at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. Please consider contributions in honor of Anna to the Herkimer County Humane Society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. A heartfelt thanks is offered to Jack Fitzer for his friendship through the years, along with the staff of the St. Luke's Home for the genuine care and compassion offered.