Rowena Longan

LONGAN, Rowena Seale, 84, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away April 22, 2010. Rowena was born on October 31, 1925 in Hammond, Louisiana. She was the daughter of T. Jay and Fannye Seale. Rowena was predeceased by Dr. William Joseph Longan, her husband of 56 years; sister, Margaret Seale Miller and her husband, Gordon; and brother, T. Jay Seale Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann. Rowena is survived by her son, Bill and his wife, Cabell; daughter, Barbara Teague and her husband, David; and son, Tom. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Molly Longan, Robert Longan, Lara Teague Curry and husband, Liam, and Lindsay Teague; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rowena graduated from high school in her beloved New Orleans in 1943 and attended Southeastern Louisiana University in her hometown of Hammond, Louisiana. An accomplished vocalist, Rowena enjoyed her time performing in the chorus of the New Orleans Opera Company. She was also a soloist in the choir of the First Baptist Church in New Orleans. Upon moving to Richmond in 1951, Rowena was introduced to her future husband. They married on April 5, 1952 at First Baptist Church in Richmond where she was a member for 59 years. Rowena enjoyed her membership in the Richmond Dental Auxiliary, Tuckahoe Women's Club, and Bonoth Sunday School Class. Rowena was an especially devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Affectionately known as "Rere," she was famous for baking her Cold Oven Pound Cakes and New Orleans pralines. The family would like to thank the extraordinary staff at Lakewood Manor who so lovingly helped Rowena and her family during the past year. Her family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 25 at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Avenue. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26 at First Baptist Church Chapel, 2709 Monument Avenue. An inurnment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rowena's memory may be made to the Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0214, or online at www.massey.vcu.edu.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.