Deirdre “Derry” Tichenor Brass Cowan died in her home on Dec. 17, 2013, due to a recurrent brain tumor. Her last moments were spent in her Malibu home, surrounded by family and friends: daughters, Juliette Lerner and Laurie Campbell; granddaughters Holly and Ashley; brother Kevin Tichenor; adopted family and neighbors Lori and John Armstrong and their daughters Amellia and Daisy; and friends Toni Colvin and Jackie Gould.
Derry was born in Santa Monica to Frederick and Bridie Tichenor on April 17, 1938. She was a California beach girl and excelled in tennis, winning several Junior Championships in the 1960s. After graduating from UCLA , she began her teaching career, finding her “home base” at Las Virgenes School District where she taught for nearly 40 years.
For many years, her life revolved around teaching and mentoring her students, tennis and her love of Malibu. Over time, running, swimming and time with her German shepherds were replaced with slower walks with her grandkids. Golf replaced tennis as Derry’s new passion. Family and friends said they “will remember her as a good-hearted, kind and generous person, and nothing slowed down her love for good friends, family and a great party.”
Toni Colvin, a close friend, remembers Derry as “someone truly positive and upbeat. She always had a balanced view and remained positive even in challenge.”
She met the love of her life, Jim Cowan, and the two spent 15 years together. They traveled and frequently took trips to Jim’s cabin in Alaska.
The Cowan family said, “For the last 25 years, we were blessed to have Derry in our lives. Derry often spoke of her love and care for the children whom she taught and she showed great love for Jim. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
Jim’s sister, Bev Mathis, remembered Derry as “the most wonderful sister ever.”
Survivors include brother Kevin Tichenor; nephews Scott and Mark; daughters Laurie Campbell (Holly and Ashley) and Juliette and Dr. Alfred Lerner; stepchildren Clark and Joanne Cowan (Matthew, Marissa and Alanna); Greg and Kendall Whitney (Sean, Kyle, and Tyler).
A celebration of life will take place on Feb. 9.