Ella D. Cowan, daughter of Laura M. Cowan, was born on December 39, 1951, in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1952, she moved to Boston, MA with her mother, older sister, the late Lula D. Cowan, and stepfather, Edward Zene. She attended and graduated from the Boston Public School system. After graduating, she held various jobs in the retail industry. In 1985, she began working for the company Gillette until 1989 where she then started to work for the City of Boston Penal Department, which is now known as the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department for 18 years.

Shortly after, she ventured into the new career path of real estate. Around 2010, Ella started her career at the Department of Children & Families in Hype Park, MA where she worked until Ella started to experience health complications at the beginning of 2023. During her free time, she enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, HSN & QVC and let's not forget her love for lottery scratch cards. These were just a few things she favored outside of her love for her grandchildren. Whether it was hanging out with them, talking on the phone, and getting manicures and pedicures with Ta'Kiya & Tajah.

Ella is predeceased by her parents Laura and Edward Zene, Son: Michael R. Cowan, Sister: Lula D. Cowan. Ella leaves behind her son Derrick A. Cowan, sisters: Marian Mason of Mobile, AL, Sarah A. Zene, and Dianne L. Zene of Boston, MA, Brother: Carl E. Zene of Jacksonville, FL. Grandchildren: Jamilah M. Kenneth of Phoenix, AZ, Donyell Canadly, Ta'Kiya Peeler, Natajah M. Jones, TaNyah L. McCall, Cherish A. Cowan-Payne, Richard W. Cowan-Payne all of Boston, MA, Rajah M. Cowan-Brewer of Norwich, CT. Seven Great-Grandchildren, special daughter/daughter-in-law Tiffany Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family & friends.