Dorothy Rowan

DOROTHY MARY ROWAN was born March 10, 1912. She died August 10, 2010 in her 99th year, as a resident of Pine Grove Nursing Home in Fredericton.

Dorothy never married, nor had children, having given her life to the care of her parents and sisters, all of whom predeceased her. Dorothy lived her whole life, but for the last 3 years, at 42 Shore Street, Fredericton, first with her mother and father, Frank and Frances ( nee Burgoyne ) Rowan. In later years, she cared for each sister during their ill health, Pauline Marie Pellitier, Geraldine Frances Patterson and Loretta Katherine Cameron.

When it came time for Dorothy to be cared for, there was no one left. She very reluctantly left her home on Shore Street, where her dear friend and neighbor, Clarice Roxborough, had so lovingly assisted her. Living at Pine Grove was a challenge at first to this 96 year old lady who had always lived alone and cared for herself. Her strong will and deep faith helped her become one of the leading picture painters, bell chimers and avid bingo winners. Special thanks go to Anne and Gailynne in the Activity Department who kept Dorothy’s spirits in good health.

In her younger years, Dorothy was a highly respected civil servant, “in charge” of paying all the provincial employees, including, she said, signing the Premier’s cheque too. She took great pride in her position and was formidable in carrying out her duties. When it came time to retire, she gave her particular attention to detail to the quilting group at Saint Dunstan’s Catholic Church, producing several beautiful quilts for their fund raisers. Dorothy also loved to garden and boasted of a full year’s store put down for the winter.

Dorothy would not want anyone to make a fuss. You are invited to gather to say prayers and say good bye on Friday morning, August 13, 2010 at 11am at the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel, 160 York Street, Fredericton, with Father J.J.Dolan. If you would like to donate to charity, in Dorothy’s memory, Sister Dora Bourgeois (455-7971) of Holy Family Church, Hanwell would gladly accept funds for the church’s outreach program for seniors.