Chrissy E. Cowan

Chrissy Elise Cowan, 60 Chrissy Elise Cowan of Staten Island passed away on Tuesday, March 10, surrounded by loving family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 60 years old. Chrissy (nee Mazzola) was born on April 30, 1965 in New York to John Mazzola and Andre (Lisette) Sweek. She lived in Florida, NY during her early years with her beloved “Grandma Mazzola” and later moved to Brooklyn, where she attended Fort Hamilton High School and later, set out for NYU/Stern where she completed the Strategic Steps for Growth program. In 1991, she married the love of her life, Philip Cowan, and later, the couple welcomed their two children, Joseph and Danielle, the bright stars in their shared stratosphere. Chrissy was also a shining inspiration for many on the business canvas. Former President and CEO of North American DF, Inc., a Staten Island based printing and promotional company, she later brought her sales acumen and talents to Inkwell Global Marketing in Manalapan, NJ. Chrissy’s expertise in assisting companies in creating their own unique brand secured her clients such as AXA Financial, Pepsi Cola, the Superbowl Host Committee and Scholastic. Additional clients also included Con Edison, National Grid, MTA and Northfield Bank. In addition, she believed fervently in fostering new talent and mentoring various entrepreneurs to grow their businesses with her guidance and advice — based on her knowledge, amassed over almost three decades. Chrissy was a passionate and dedicated advocate for promoting equal opportunities for both women and minorities in the tristate area. She spearheaded mentoring programs for the College of Staten Island, St. John’s University and Wagner College. She was a previous member of the Domestic Violence Task Force and initiated the “Back to Basic Program” for Hurricane Sandy Relief. She was so very proud to sit as a board member of the Joe Mandarino Foundation, Seaman’s Foundation and the Have a Heart Foundation. Chrissy was also involved with helping young high school students in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Throughout the course of her career, Chrissy acquired a string of shining accolades: She was named a 2014 Knights of Columbus “Woman of the Year”; was honored with a 2013 Have a Heart Award; a 2013 Staten Island Economic Development Corporation Women of Influence Award; a 2012 SIEDC Leadership Award, and a 2012 Italian Tribune Woman of the Year Award. She was also a proud member of the Facilis Group Achievers' Club, having earned that honor for the past seven years. Her philanthropy was etched into all her efforts across the professional landscape: From 2021 to 2023, she was instrumental in facilitating the efforts of Project Hospitality, to provide warm clothing, including 500 sweatsuits, for the homeless — those in most dire need. She was acknowledged with volunteer awards in 2022 and 2023 for those efforts. Most recently, she created hands-on campaigns to collect essential provisions, including cereal for Project Hospitality and bread for area food pantries — with an eye toward providing sustenance for those struggling with food insecurity. Last year, due to her efforts, 252 families had fresh bread on their tables for Lent. Chrissy cared about helping others before all else. When tragedy struck or need was great, Chrissy sprang into action. Chrissy attributed her success in business and the community to the unwavering support of her spouse Philip and her children Joseph and Danielle. “If I can help one person succeed, I have succeeded,” she said. A woman of deep faith, she believed, even during her health challenges, that “God is good, every day.” She looked to Padre Pio and her legions of saints and angels for guidance; prayer was her solace and source of infinite strength. For the many who loved her, Chrissy is remembered for her exuberant personality, bright smile, and open heart. No one ever sat alone if Chrissy was in a room — every new acquaintance became an instant friend, welcomed and embraced by Chrissy’s warmth, empathy, and gentle spirit. From her earliest days, Chrissy loved the outdoors, riding horses as a young girl and later, spending her happiest moments by the idyllic Delaware River at the summer cabin she shared with her family. Chrissy loved travel, disco music, and nothing more than preparing her beloved “Feast of the Seven Fishes” every Christmas Eve for the family and friends she treasured beyond measure. For Chrissy, food meant love: No one left her home without a bag filled with leftovers, the fragrant aroma of her signature lasagna, cauliflower croquettes, rice balls and other Italian fare conjuring images of warm meals, happy laughter, and shared memories. But most of all, Chrissy loved her family. Her husband Phil was her forever hero, by her side through every storm, truly epitomizing the true meaning of the words “Till death do us part.” Her children were the heartbeat of her life and soul: Chrissy was proud to share the accomplishments of both her son and daughter — and became a familiar face amongst all her children’s friends, bringing trays of food to soccer practices and becoming a second mom to the many young people she loved as her own. When her first grandson Frankie was born last year, Chrissy finally earned the title she’d yearned for all her life — she was finally a Nonna, and the beautiful sparkle in her eyes and joy for life will echo on forever with every step her grandchild takes as he carries her with him forever in his heart. Chrissy was also a devoted friend, whose loyalty and love meant those bonds endured for decades. Even in the darkest of days, Chrissy continued to face life with optimism and her forever mantra of “patience, positivity and prayer.” She will be missed forever. Chrissy is survived by her husband Philip, her children Joseph (Colleen) Cowan and Danielle Cowan, her grandson Francis Patrick Cowan, her nephew Jay Cowan and great-niece Oni Cowan. She is also survived by her mother Andree (Lisette) Sweek and stepfather Ollie Herz, as well as numerous cousins and other loving relatives and lifelong friends. Should you wish to honor the memory of Chrissy with a donation , Memorial Donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center online at: https://secure2.convio.net/mskcc/site/Donation2?mfc_pref=T&df_id=22214&22214.donation=form1&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=Paid+Search&utm_term=&utm_content=Evergreen&utm_campaign=Evergreen+2026&s_channel=evergreen2026-search&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15983141233&gbraid=0AAAAADr-3UoSs29kpSjCpnenKHSEZ8KdJ&gclid=CjwKCAjwyMnNBhBNEiwA-Kcguyb5HS3cX_OHutBrBhqFvDKLcZPnyxD8MVWCCW8sHAWLWgsQlK4d8xoCZ_gQAvD_BwE Donation forms for mailing will be avialable at the funeral home during visitation. Visitation will be held at John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, located at 28 Eltingville Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10312 on Friday, March 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at Holy Child Roman Catholic Church, located at 4747 Amboy Rd, Staten Island, NY 10312. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, located at 361 Sharrot Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10309.

Chrissy E. Cowan

April 30, 1965 - March 10, 2026