MIDDLEBURY - Persis Dunning Rowe, age 91, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Porter Medical Center, less than 24 hours after suffering a stroke.
Persis was born in Rutland, VT, on March 9, 1927, the daughter of Walter Scott and Lizzie (Laird) Dunning. She graduated from Rutland High School in 1945.
She was married to the love of her life, the Rev. Gerald M. Rowe, for 67 years (1947 until his death in 2014).
Persis was the classic minister's wife, every inch a partner in ministry with Gerald: 10 years at the Advent Christian Church in Schenectady, NY (1948-1958); and 27 years at Memorial Baptist Church in Middlebury, VT (1958 until retirement in 1985).
A soprano soloist from an early age, pianist and organist, Persis loved music and shared it with others through her own solo work in many different venues, singing in the Schenectady Choral Society, as choir director and pianist/organist in both churches, and a popular piano instructor, teaching many children and adults over a span of 30 years.
She cared about people and helping others through her years of volunteer work with O.E.O. (now H.O.P.E) and as treasurer of the Christmas Shoppe. She and Gerald volunteered at Project Independence once a month providing trumpet and piano duets until Gerald could no longer play. After his death, she volunteered monthly at Porter Nursing Home to play hymns and goldie-oldies for their songfests right up until her death.
She remained active and involved in life, never sitting on the sidelines, always up for learning new things and ready to serve and encourage people. She loved a good conversation with friends and neighbors and could tell many a good story and enjoy a good laugh.
She loved her family deeply and enjoyed time together with them, especially at the family camp on Lake Dunmore.
A woman of faith and devotion to her Memorial Baptist Church community, Persis was still an active member of the Adult Sunday School classes, Senior Rock'rs Retirement group, Thursday afternoon Bible Study, and was a founding member of the Bone Builders group that met at the church. She greeted every newcomer on Sunday morning, and made sure everyone felt welcomed.
Her faith in her Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ, and doing His work on this earth was of prime importance. She knew the joy of being part of the Family of God, and so, she would say, and would want it written here: "If you don't have a church family, and you are wanting one, you are invited to Memorial Baptist Church ..." And then she would add, "I'll save a seat for you."
Persis is survived by her son, Michael Rowe, of Monkton, VT; daughter, Melinda Rowe Williams, of Middlebury, VT; granddaughter Mira and husband Paris Goddard, of Bristol, VT; grandson, Lee Williams, of Greenfield, MA; and two much loved great-grandchildren Saylor and Emmy Goddard.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 16, 11 a.m. in Forest Dale, VT, Cemetery. A celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, 97 South Pleasant St., Middlebury, VT.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations either to Memorial Baptist Church Music Fund, 97 South Pleasant St., Middlebury, VT 05753; or to Lake Dunmore Fern Lake Association, P.O. Box 14, Salisbury, VT 05769 (earmarked Milfoil Project).
Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home.
Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com.
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