Dawn L. Cowher-Vreeland-Jensen

WHITTAKER, PA: DAWN L. COWHER-VREELAND-JENSEN

Mayor, Dawn L. Cowher-Vreeland-Jensen, devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her, passed away at her home in Whittaker, PA, on November 21, 2025, with family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born the daughter of Donald and Nancy Cowher on July 24, 1961. Dawn was a 1979 graduate of Olean High School, Olean NY. On November 14, 1991, Dawn married her friend and true love, James Jensen. Dawn was a caring person who started her working career in the medical field and then moved to law enforcement and corrections, where her heart and integrity showed. She was an advocate for disadvantaged individuals, dedicated to helping those that had difficulty helping themselves. Dawn was serving as the mayor of Whitaker, PA, which fulfilled her dreams as she served the community with dedication and passion. During her time as Mayor, Dawn was instrumental in acquiring grants to replace police equipment, budget revisions to increase additional personnel on the police force and raising funds for the beautification of Whittaker Field Park. Dawn enjoyed playing community league soccer and volleyball, volunteering for the Pittsburgh’s Syria Shriners, watching her “British Royalty” shows, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughter Julianna. Dawn was a dedicated and loving grandmother to Julianna and spent many days doing crafts and special projects with her.

Dawn is survived by her loving husband James Jensen, her children Stacey and Justin Vreeland, her brothers, Duane Cowher, Darrin Cowher and Deverin Cowher, many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in law and close personal friends. Dawn was predeceased by both parents, a son Aaron Jensen, and two nephews: Christian Cowher and Robert Shaffer, Jr. and In laws James and Shirley Jensen.

Memorials may be made to the Christian Cowher Memorial Foundation at any Community Bank, NA, or by using PayPal to account @ccmemorial where the funds will be used for scholarships to local students.

Inurnment Service and Celebration of Life will be held later following Dawn’s wishes.