COLONIE - Sybille K. (Jindra) Cowan, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 20, 2026 after a brief stay at the Teresian House in Albany.

Born in Innsbruck, Austria during WWII, Sybille spent the first eight years of her life being raised by her grandmother. She was reunited with her mother who married Sergeant James Sommerville and brought her to the USA. As an army brat she lived in several southern states, Puerto Rico, and Germany where she graduated from Baumholder American High School. Later while stationed in Ft. Benning, GA, where she, worked at the post library, she met and married Lt. Richard Cowan. The couple moved to Long Island eventually settling in the Capital Region with their children. During this time, Sybille was a stay at home mother extraordinaire, PTA volunteer, Girl Scout leader, often mothering neighborhood kids who needed support or perhaps just a sandwich.

When Sybille and Richard's lives took different paths, they remained friends and she took a job at Siena College as Athletic Dept. Secretary. That job was where she found her purpose and community. She embarked on a 38-year career that would positively impact thousands of people. She supported all of the sports however she was the number one Siena Saints Basketball fan. Attending every game including many that were national and international. Was it really a Siena game if Sybille wasn't in the crowd showing her support? She made so many friends among the coaches, teachers, students and fans and college athletics as a whole. She had six degrees of separation that would rival Kevin Bacon.

Sybille survived many trials and tribulations including breaking her neck in 1980 and wearing a halo brace and blood poisoning a few years later from swallowing a fly. She was able to visit her beloved Austria in 1984 and reconnect with her relatives. She never lost her fluent German over the years and was an avid reader and PBS supporter too.

Later on her biggest joy became her five grandchildren of whom she was so proud. She supported them by attending their concerts, plays, dances and art shows as well as spending many happy hours playing and just being with them. She adored all of her pets her latest being a cat named Winnie. Her Christmas Eve celebrations were legendary for us, including her beloved brother and his family.

Her love, compassion, kindness and beautiful smile will be remembered by so many. Her family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Teresian House for the excellent care that they provided her with.

She was predeceased by her father, Walter Jindra, Stepfather, James Sommerville and mother, Margaret Sommerville. Sybille is survived by her loving children Juliet (Peter) Van Kampen and Peter (Helena) Cowan. She was the beloved grandmother of Nick, Teddy, Isabella, Greg and Julia. She also leaves behind her loving brothers and sisters, Peter (Barbara) Somerville, Gerold Jindra, Alice Fuchs and Titus Jindra. As well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Relatives, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend a memorial service in honor of Sybille's life and legacy on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, Siena University, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY.

For those unable to attend, the memorial service will be live streamed and may be viewed by clicking the following link: youtube.com/@sienachaplainsoffice

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society or any local animal shelter of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Sybille's family to the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For further information or to extend a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.