Barbara Rowell Obituary

Barbara Miller Rowell, 93

St. Petersburg, FL - Barbara Miller Rowell, 93, died at her residence in St. Petersburg, FL on August 3, 2018. She was predeceased by her husband Waldo, her parents, John and Jeanie Miller, and her youngest son Douglas. Barbara was born in Worcester, MA on August 14, 1924 and graduated from Bates College, Clark University and Assumption College.

Barbara began a teaching career by teaching fourth grade in Holden, Massachusetts. She then taught mathematics and later became a guidance counselor at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden. Following their retirement Barbara and her husband Waldo lived in Charlestown, Rhode Island and St. Petersburg, FL. In 1998, they made their permanent residence in St. Petersburg.

Barbara was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg, serving as a board member and chairwoman of the Endowment Committee. She had a great affection for her church and her many friends who provided long lasting friendship and support. Barbara volunteered for many years with Waldo in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and as an instructor for the AARP "55 Alive" senior driver education course, and as a docent volunteer at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County, FL. She was an avid reader of many genres of books and she was always current with ongoing local and national events. In her later years Barbara embraced photography by taking pictures of her fellow residents at Westminster Palms and sharing them. She produced many collages, calendars, and photographs that were shared with family, friends, and residents of her community.

Barbara is survived her two sons and their spouses, John and Darcy Rowell of Princeton, MA, and Steve Rowell and Trudy Roybal of Westborough, MA; a daughter in law, Elizabeth Rowell of Charlestown, RI; four grandsons, William, Matthew, Adam, and Seth; and six great grandchildren including Katie, Meghan, Anne, Cailin, Connor, and Christina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Endowment of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg, 719 Arlington Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; or to the Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation (restricted to Westminster Palms), 80 W. Lucerne Circle, Orlando, FL 32801.

A memorial service is planned for the autumn in St. Petersburg, FL.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Rowell

3 Entries

Carrie Lynch

November 8, 2018

To the Rowell Family:

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of a very special lady. While my family was in Seattle WA in 1986 caring for my brother, who at the time had leukemia, I was left to complete my Senior year of High School and This lady (Barbara) was a true GOD SEND. She played the role of a parent, a guidance counselor, a friend, a trusted adult when I was vulnerable and afraid. She was an amazingly strong woman as during that time she was also confronted with her own health and family health challenges but never did I feel that my needs and her time with me were at anything but important.
She brought me to see the Newport Mansions. She guided me through the college application process and taught me to find my gifts and talents when I did not see them.
Years later came to my wedding and met my children when infants who now are 20 and 23. She has always held a very special place in my heart. I attempted to "find" her when I saw that Waldo passed and so I now also send my condolences to you all for losing them both so recently. I do however know how very close they were so perhaps no surprise? I appreciate this opportunity to share with you how my life was forever changed when this special lady came into my life at the age of 17, 36 year ago and she will forever be in my heart. Sending blessings and prayers during this time of loss and grief knowing memories such as mine will keep her forever alive.

Shirley Bussolari

August 13, 2018

I remember your mother from the time she volunteered in the Admissions Office at Clark University. She was a spirited woman, full of energy and always willing to dig right in. We enjoyed the time she spent with us and I think she did as well. It is obvious from her obituary that she continued to give of her time through volunteerism well into retirement.

Lynn Sherwin Crystoff

August 9, 2018

To Steve and all the Rowell family, I remember your mother very well, as a guidance counselor at Wachusett. I am so very sorry for your loss. It's never easy to loose the last of your parents generation, when you truly become an orphan. She was obviously well loved and enjoyed by her friends in FL. May you find peace knowing she is with our Lord.

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