Joan T Rowan's Obituary
JOAN T. ROWAN
1939-2023
MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE HELD IN BEAUFORT, SC AT ST PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Joan Thomas Rowan, who was born on July 19, 1939, in Schenectady, NY to her late parents, Edward Thomas and Katherine McGowan Thomas, departed this world on September 14, 2023.
“Joanie”, as she was known to her close family and friends, was educated at Schenectady High School and then completed her nursing diploma at The College of St Rose. Joan graduated at the top of her class, and while completing her final year, she met her true life companion, James P. Rowan.
In their 58 years of marriage, they raised 4 daughters and Joan was devoted to her nursing career, retiring from the Upjohn Company after many years of successful management in Bucks County offices. Joan enjoyed raising her family, her nursing career, reading, entertaining family and friends, and long drives on Sundays after church. “We are going just up the road a piece” was the standard response to “where we are we going?” from the kids. She had a quick wit, loved to plan and travel with her beloved husband, and savored creating and cooking gourmet meals for family and friends. While they raised their family in Bucks County, PA, their 20 years of retirement was truly enjoyed on Dataw Island, in Beaufort, SC.
Joan will be deeply missed by her daughters and grandchildren, she will be fondly remembered and missed by many friends as well.
Joan was predeceased by her elder brother, Richard Thomas, her husband, James Patrick Rowan, and her eldest daughter, Katherine Margaret Rowan Darling. She is survived by her daughters: Deborah Anne Rowan Nunez (Carlos Nunez), Patricia Rowan Cody, and Christine Rowan Parks (Courtney Parks) as well as her 5 grandchildren: Jeremy, Sarah, Sean, Emily and Damon.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Friends of Caroline Hospice in Beaufort, SC or The American Cancer Society.
A memorial mass will be planned in Beaufort, SC at St Peter’s Catholic Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?