Mar 04, 2004---Sep 27, 2019

Mackenzie Rae Cowan, 15, died at home surrounded by her heartbroken family and friends on Friday, September 27, 2019 as a result of brain cancer.  She fought this battle fiercely for four years and endured countless labs, chemo treatments, surgeries and hospital stays.  She worried about how her disease was affecting those around her more than herself.  She was beautiful and she had a bright, infectious smile. “Bird” was truly an angel here on earth.  “Sis” mothered her twin brother Michael and was a true friend.  She was a sophomore at Bishop Miege High School where she played softball and loved her time with the Drama Club. 

                She leaves her parents Stacy Cowan and Kevin Forbis, father and parent Kevin R. Cowan, twin brother Michael, siblings Mariah, Brandon, Maddy, Jordan and Lauren; her grandparents Mary Ellen Asher, Terry Forbis, Mike and Rose Dolph, Margaret Elaine Cowan, aunt and uncle Stacy M. Brooks and Steve Brooks, cousins Cody and Jared Brooks, and other aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends she thought of as family. She was preceded in death by her grandfather David Asher and Don R. Cowan.

                Mackenzie loved her country music, especially singing to Patsy Cline.  Her love for organizing and cleaning was intimidating, and she never hesitated to help others keep things in order. Her entrepreneurial spirit and superior contract writing skills brought lots of laughter, memories and great adventures for those around her.  She had a collection of rosaries and prayer cards along with a small prayer corner in her bedroom and she was a fierce believer in the power of prayer.

                Services at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, KS will include a rosary at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday October 1st, 2019, and a funeral wake from 9:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral mass at 11:00. Although flowers are beautiful, donations to “Team Mackenzie” will be lasting and greatly appreciated.  Please make checks payable to “Team Mackenzie”.  Mackenzie’s family would like to especially thank all the doctors and staff at Children’s Mercy Hospital, hospice nurse Nancy, and everyone for their prayers, love and support during this difficult time.

 

“There may be times you miss me, I sort of hope you do, but smile when you think of me, for I’ll be waiting for you. Now, there’s many things for you to do, and lots of ways to grow, so get busy, be happy, and live your life, miss me, but let me go.”  - Anonymous 

 

All are welcome to a luncheon following the burial in the Parish Center.



Condolences

Gabrielle Jones Sep 28, 2019

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

May God be with you and your family during this dark time in your life and that you will be reunited again in heaven.

Kassandra Sep 28, 2019

Old family friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Nothing can compare to the pain of losing a loved one. She was unfairly taken from this world too soon. Keeping you guys in my prayer. Kassandra Monterroza

Tony & Lisa Moran Sep 28, 2019

The right words can be so hard to find. Simply know that we are thinking of you every moment.

Mr. And Mrs. Raymond Cornejo Sep 28, 2019

Cousins ,Kansas city ,Kansas

We are very sorry for your loss. We have no words that will make it better, but we hope in time your hearts will begin to heal. Mckenzie was a beautiful young lady and we will keep her in our prayers as well all of your family.

margo Dierdorff Sep 28, 2019

friend ,grundy center ,Iowa

Shelley, Tod and the rest of the Forbis clan; although I never knew this sweet girl- she sounds like a real sweetheart. so sorry for your loss.

Mabel Armenta Sep 28, 2019

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I'm deeply Sorry for your loss, there are no words to describe the feeling. My prayers with you .

Sally & Keith Sep 28, 2019

Words will never be enough, to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. But I hope you can take some comfort from knowing, we are thinking of and will be there for you. Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Nancy and Sonia Larbi Sep 29, 2019

Friend of Bernadette ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May Mackenzie’s memory bless your lives always. Nancy and Sonia Larbi

Donna Bycraft Sep 29, 2019

Friend ,Roeland Park ,Kansas

I had not seen Mackenzie much since she was just a little girl until a year ago when I saw what a beautiful butterfly she had become. I am so sorry she had to suffer and leave this place we call home. I pray God will surround you with His love and support and the support of others until the day comes when you will all meet again. You are in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers.

Bonnie Sep 29, 2019

My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Leslie Stewart Sep 29, 2019

Friend of the family ,Kansas city ,Kansas

My heart hurts for you’re family and friends. Thinking of you.

Alex and Kathy Kump & Family Sep 29, 2019

Friend of family ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Sending you our love and prayers at this very difficult time. What a beautiful soul that continues to touch so many lives - her legacy is far-reaching and inspirational to so many. May you find comfort in knowing how much Mackenzie’s courage and spirit meant to so many of us - even those she never knew. With friendship and sincere sympathy, Alex and Kathy Kump and Family

Susanne Mahoney Sep 29, 2019

Neighbor & friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

How can she be gone....taken too soon. Rest in peace Mackenzie. Love and hugs to all of the family. So very very sorry for your loss and sending my deepest condolences.

Wendy Estep Sep 29, 2019

Friend ,Clinton ,Missouri

Stacy, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. I prayer for peace and comfort for you and your family. May the memories you two made warm your heart and help you through this difficult time.

Dodi Leonard Sep 30, 2019

friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Stacy, Kevin & Family, Mackenzie was the strongest person I have ever met and it is no mystery where she got her strength from. She made such a positive impact on the world around her and she was wise beyond her years. She will be missed by so many but remembered by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Kathy Sep 30, 2019

friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Don and I want to send you and your family our deep sorrow for your loss. May God's grace keep you and give you comfort. Know that your in our prayers and thinking of you.

Tamara Millsap Sep 30, 2019

Friend to her and Grandmother ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal. My heart goes out to you and your family. In the lost of your dear Mackenzie. One of my favorite scripture is Roman 8:28. It says and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,to them who are the called according to his purpose. I believe Mackenzie was called and her purpose here on earth was fulfilled. Her love for organizing and keeping thing in order lets you know that she was in the will of God Even though I don’t why God had to take her now it’s working for our good. There is a song they use to sing you’ll understand it better by and by. Just that she is safe in his arms and you are in my prayers. Praying that God will give you a peace that surpasses all things. Tamara

Calli Wynes Sep 30, 2019

Stacy, I am so sorry for your loss. It doesn't seem like that long ago you were pregnant with the twins. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to all the great memories you have of your precious Mackenzie.

Chris & Chris Sep 30, 2019

Mike & Rose Dolph's cousin ,Woodbury ,Minnesota

So incredibly sorry for your tragic loss. Looks like she was a very bright light. I'm sure Heaven just got a lot brighter. Thoughts and prayers to your family🙏🏻💔😥 May God bless you and cover you with "His peace that surpasses all understanding".

Amanda Sep 30, 2019

Words can not express how sorry I am. Thinking and praying for the whole family.

Marissa Nevarez, Sean Eskina & Family Sep 30, 2019

Family friends ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Thinking of your family at this time. May god bless Mackenzie with open arms at those heaven gates. Such a beautiful soul gone to soon. From our family to yours, we love you all and will continue to pray for your family and Mackenzie always. God bless 💜🙏🏽

Lynsey Atkinson Oct 01, 2019

Coach ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I had the privilege to coach Mac on the lady bombers. She left an impression on me, and I can't express my sadness for her family. No words make these times any easier, but she was one amazing girl. Her spunk and spirit were contagious. Sending so much love and prayers.

Ahmed Abdelmoity Oct 21, 2019

Mackenzie’s neurologist ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am so sorry for your loss It’s a loss for all of us Mackenzie touched our lives in a very special way and will always be remembered by her beautiful smile, positive attitude and strong will I am honored and privileged to have taken a part in her life!

Shawnnessy Oct 15, 2020

Cousin ,Kansas

I miss you daily bird. Fly high. We love you.

Kara western Nov 02, 2023

Stranger ,Seymour ,Wisconsin

I seen a picture of her headstone on a fb thing for eternal crosses and i felt so compelled to look up what happened to your beautiful girl. Im sorry for your loss she seemed like an amazing kid. Rip