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Virginia Rowe Obituary
Storrs, CT - Virginia "Ginny" Bradford Rowe passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on July 5, 2018 at the age of 86 years old. Ginny lived in Storrs, Connecticut for the past 49 years with her husband Donald (Dee) Rowe. She had Pancreatic Cancer and was cared for during her passing by the devoted health care team at John Dempsey Hospital/UConn Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut. Ginny was born in Portland, Maine on December 29, 1931. She studied Fine Arts and received her Bachelors Degree at Middlebury College where she met the love of her life, her best friend and husband Dee Rowe. Together they raised 7 children and became actively involved, loving, supportive grandparents of 17 grandchildren.
Ginny was always full of a deep gratitude for the endless gifts of her life. She knew every important detail about her children's lives, their spouses, and each of her grandchildren. Yet it was her complete devotion and love for her husband Dee, that was the most beautiful thing to bear witness to. Theirs is a true love story. Her kindness and love for her friends, her devoted husband Dee, her children, their spouses and her grandchildren are her eternal legacy.
Ginny was an integral part of the communities of Worcester Academy and the University of Connecticut where she lived with Dee. Ginny's generosity of spirit and graciousness always offered her husband Dee the endless support he needed throughout his career. She was a big UConn Husky fan and became lifelong friends with many present and former athletes, coaches and their families at UConn and Worcester Academy.
Ginny's favorite place on earth was Cape Cod where she and Dee and their children returned each summer for a season of swimming, daily picnics, long walks on the beach, bike rides, band concerts, and cookouts in Orleans and Chatham. Her family gathered each evening around the dinner table sharing stories and memories that filled the house with endless laughter. Summers and holidays on the Cape in Chatham continued to be Ginny's favorite family tradition.
Ginny was an active volunteer in the community throughout her life and especially treasured her decades of long work and friendships with her fellow members of the P.E.O. (A women's philanthropic organization supporting women in higher education.)
Ginny was full of grace, compassion, endless curiosity, and a generous heart. She found joy in the clouds, a newfound seashell on the beach, a bird's song and especially in the presence of each one of her grandchildren. She had deep love, laughter, family, great faith, immense purpose, meaning and endless joy.
Ginny is survived by: her husband Donald (Dee) Rowe of 64 years, her daughter Donna Rowe-Korn and her husband Bob Korn and their children Tyler and Palmer, her daughter Cindy Rowe Pelletier and her husband Rich Pelletier and their children Jesse and Justin, her daughter Karen Rowe and her husband Jon Heyman and their children Jacob and Leah, her daughter Lisa Shafto and her husband Dennis Shafto and their children Chris and his wife Hilary (expecting their first child), and their daughter Ashton and her husband Brent (expecting their first child), her son Don Rowe and his wife Gail Rowe and their children George, Brendan, Dillon, and Grace, her daughter Julie Rowe and her sons Aidan and Cormac, and her daughter Jennifer Havlicek and her husband Desmond Havlicek and their children Declan, Cass and Quinn.
Ginny is also survived by her brother David Reynolds and his wife Cathy Reynolds, Dave's former wife Cecily Merman and Dave and Cecily's children Andrea Reynolds and family, Cameron Hardy and family, and Brad Reynolds, her husband Dee's brother M. Richmond Rowe (who is predeceased) and his sons Dean Rowe and family and Brad Rowe.
Services will be held at Storrs Congregational Church on 2 North Eagleville Rd. in Storrs, Connecticut on Wednesday July 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM. The reception will immediately follow the service at the UConn Werth Family BasketballChampions Center on 2158 Jim Calhoun Way in Storrs, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the V Foundation (www.jimmyv.org), the UConn Dee Rowe Athletic Scholarship Fund (www.uconn.networkforgood.com), and the Worcester Academy Rowe Family Scholarship (www.worcesteracademy.org/rowe). The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy with Ginny's family at
www.carlsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Rowe
Sponsored by Carlson Funeral Home.
Pauline Gassaway
June 29, 2021
Continuous condolences in the passing of Mrs. Rowe.
The Safford Family.
Pauline Safford-Gassaway
June 29, 2019
Thoughts & Prayers continue in the loss of Mrs. Virginia Rowe. The Safford Family.
Armand $ Lorraine LaMontagne
July 13, 2018
So sorry to hear of the passing of your wife "Ginny". Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Armand LaMontagne
July 13, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 12, 2018
Coach Dee, Family...I am so sorry for your loss, my heart hurts for and with you. Mother Rowe will be greatly missed. She would always spend a few moments talking with me before heading to her seat at the XL Center. Heartfelt hugs to you all. Jackie McBee, (from the XL Center)
The Usher Family
July 12, 2018
We've never experienced a more beautiful celebration of life as we did for Ginny! We all knew that her love and devotion for her family was her mission in life. Perhaps her greatest legacy is that she made us all want to be better human beings! We love you all! A book must be written so that all could aspire to lead such a remarkable life. She is beaming with pride!
Sharon Kennedy Hollay
July 11, 2018
Dear Dee and family, Rob and I are so sorry for the loss of Ginny. You were always so gracious and welcoming and supportive to us and our Katherine and John. Ginny was a tower of strength and goodness to everyone to Dad, Mom and all the Kennedy family. I will miss her smiles and gentle ways. Deepest sympathies to all of you. Sharon (Sherry) Kennedy Hollay
Mindy LaBranche
July 10, 2018
My brothers' and my entire childhood included Ginny Rowe. Whether we were building igloos with the boys or climbing apple trees after I was traded to the girls' team for the lone Tiger, Ginny was always there. I will never forget her patient voice that I still can hear nor her deep commitment to my parents, right down to the pickles in December and calls in recent weeks. Know that she is in all of our hearts forever.
Nelson Walker
July 10, 2018
A beautiful caring women. Team mate, partner for life to Dee, who she loved, cared for, coached and guided thru life. So many talents and at center and heart of her family. Life is never longer enough, never ready for it to end. Ginny will be missed by so many, she touched and enhanced the lives of so many. Sadness. I am glad I had the honor and privilege to know her and Dee. Nelson Walker
Len & Teri Scholl
July 8, 2018
To Dee and the entire Rowe family -
Teri and I are deeply saddened by the passing of a sweet and wonderful lady in Ginny. Every time we had the chance to be in her company she was always genuinely interested in our family, asking about our kids and my mom, Shirley. Ginny was known to us as a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, especially through the many beautiful stories shared by her daughter and our sister-in-law, Lisa Rowe Shafto and her husband Dennis.
God bless you all, and we know you will have many wonderful and lasting memories of a woman whose kindness to others was surpassed only by her love for her family.
Love and prayers to you from the Scholl Family
Chaneta Taylor
July 7, 2018
Mrs. Ginny Rowe Lovely Lady,
I always enjoyed her conversation, she was a kind spirit, gracious, peaceful, generous yet her strength, wisdom and honor were true. She approved and accepted everyone as they are. Extraordinary quality.
Coach...I pray for you and your beautiful family. Be brave, be strong, enjoy and appreciate the memories. I wish you COMFORT on difficult days, LOVE and smiles when sadness intrudes.
MAY THERE ALWAYS BE AN ANGEL BY YOUR SIDE
Chaneta Taylor (Snakes Wife)
Bill Shults
July 7, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to Dee and the family!!
Frank OFTRING
July 7, 2018
Coach ROWE and family, very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers and Peace.
Pauline Safford-Gassaway
July 7, 2018
To the Rowe Family... From the Safford Family, our sincere condolences in the passing of Mrs. Rowe. Blessings & Love.
Sylvia Kelin
July 7, 2018
My sincere sympathy and love, to Dee and the entire family. A great loss to you all, but wonderful memories will sustain you. Ginny was a very special person and has been a great friend for many years. Much love to all.
Michael Brown
July 7, 2018
Coach Rowe and family...
I send me deepest and heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely,
Mike Brown
University of Vermont Basketball 1973
Head Coach Central Connecticut State 1989
James Gleason
July 7, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
James Gleason
July 7, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dolly and Nunzio Chelli
July 7, 2018
Dear Coach,
Although we didn't know Ginny on a personal basis, if we saw her at any Uconn function she was so nice to talk to. You truly lost your soulmate.
We will keep her and your family in our prayers
RAY RAMSEY
July 7, 2018
TO THE ROWE FAMILY,I AM SO SORRY TO READ OF MRS ROWE'S PASSING. SHE WAS ONE OF THE NICEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET.RIP
Lou D'Allesandro
July 6, 2018
I have known the Rowe family since my days at Worcester Academy. There is no woman kinder and more gentle than Mrs. Rowe. The Coach and his wife are the greatest examples of what love is all about. It has been my honor to know the Rowes for most many, many years and I am thankful that I was able to have them in my life.
Tom Mclaughlin
July 6, 2018
Dee so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman to have lived so many years supporting you while you coached. Dee we will be praying for you and your family. God Bless and may she RIP
Mark Epstein
July 6, 2018
Prayers Go To A Lifetime Family Friend. Mrs Ginny Rowe the BEAUTIFUL and SWEET wife of the Former Worcester Academy and UCONN BASKETBALL COACH DEE ROWE passed away. Mrs Coach had been ill. Please say a prayer for Dee and Mrs Coach. Coach Rowe and Ms Ginny have been family to all of Coach Rowe's former players and their family members. Thank You! ❤
Brian & Kathy Usher
July 6, 2018
Our hearts are broken for you, Dee, and for your beautiful family! And, for the rest of us who loved and admired this gorgeous, saintly human. We are gifted beyond words to have had Ginny in our mist. She taught me so much about life, gratefulness and grace. She taught me the beauty of the symphony when we attended the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Whenever I hear Adagio in G Minor, I think of the rapture on Ginny's face which compelled me to listen more intently. It has transformed my heart into a lighter being. There are no words just love and an abundance of gratefulness! Our family adores you and we pray that our good Lord helps you cope with your grief. XOXO
Jeanne Ahern Mogayzel
July 6, 2018
My heart aches...she was a wonderful counselor and friend and I will miss her.
Paul & Jane Kennedy
July 6, 2018
Dee and family,
Your loss is also our loss, and a loss for everyone whose life Ginny ever touched!
With deepest condolences and affection,
Paul and Jane Kennedy
Tom Proctor
July 6, 2018
Our hearts are broken for you all! Ginny was one of the finest ladies ever. She was soft spoken and kind and loved her family and UCONN. We were privileged to count her as a great friend for all our years at UCONN. She was mightily loved and will be mightily missed. Rest in peace Ginny. With great love and affection, Tom and Trish Proctor
July 6, 2018
Dee and family,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My prayers are with the family for strength during this difficult time.
Liz Prentiss
Coventry CT
Joyce Chaisson
July 6, 2018
To the Rowe family our deepest condolences. Dee and Ginny and family were a great support to my parents and to us. Many happy memories. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and peace, The Chaisson family.
Brian O'Connell
July 6, 2018
Ginny Rowe arrived at Worcester Academy over a half century ago, and fortunately for WA never left. In the 1950s, she was exactly what she remained for the balance of her life a vibrant, charming, warm-hearted, cheerful, kind and energetic lady, with a gift for making her friends and acquaintances feel special and appreciated. She was always young-hearted she never really aged - in enthusiasm. Although she and Dee were blessed with a large and lively family, she always made time for her children's friends and other young faculty children on the WA campus and in the WA community all could count on a friendly greeting, a kind word, sympathy, and sometimes an extra plate at the Rowe dinner table. All knew that she was interested in them, and that she cared about them. The Rowes officially relocated to Storrs in 1969, but they continued to be vital participants in WA. They were both truly dedicated to the Academy, and they remained friends with legions of staff members and alumni. Any WA function was special when they attended it. Ginny leaves behind, not only her fine family she was deeply and deservedly proud of all of her children and grandchildren but also a wealth of happy memories, for which so many members of the WA community will always be grateful. Ginny did not attend WA, but I can think of few members of the WA community who truly achieved the honorable as consistently, and as well, as she did.
Bernie Sullivan
July 6, 2018
Dee,please accept my sympathy on Ginnys passing, May she rest in the hands of the lord and may the memories of the good times carry you through this difficult period.
Howard Kelin
July 6, 2018
Condolences to the entire Rowe family, and especially to my childhood friend Karen. Mrs. Rowe was a beautiful woman with tremendous grace, grit, loyalty and love. She was the helmsman of a great American family. A unique and wonderful person!
A.W. Carlson Funeral Home
July 6, 2018
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Mike Flaherty
July 5, 2018
A wonderful team who
were such a special influence on all of us .
To Coach and the Rowe
family my sincere condolences.
Mike Flaherty
July 5, 2018
Our love and prayers extend to the entire Rowe family as we fondly remember Ginny, a one-of-a-kind wife, mom, grandmother...and dear friend. To observe Ginny and Dee together during their remarkable 64 years of marriage was to witness an unmatched love on display daily. Ginny's strength and gentle spirit was a constant as she cared for the man she loved---Coach Rowe.
Diane & Tim Tolokan
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