Jane Prichard Rowley

Jane (Prichard) Rowley 

Jane was born on February 17th, 1925 to Emma Jane (Pittock) and Jonathan Prichard of Ridley Township.  She was the oldest of three children. Her life was built around a tradition of family and faith. She survived, and even thrived, through contraction of polio as an 18 year old. Shortly thereafter she married John Dallas Rowley and they grew their family together for the next 53 years. Together they raised 4 children; Milton (Butch) Parker of Whiteville North Carolina is the oldest.  Butch and his wife Allie (Tish) gave Jane and Dallas two granddaughters (Lydia Spencer and Rebecca Parker). Two great granddaughters (Lauren and Ella). Priscilla Sommerville of Gouldsboro Maine is their oldest daughter. Priscilla and her husband William McLean Sommerville raised two children (Hilary and Ian). Hilary and her husband Jacob Forrest have 4 children (Caleb, Ephram, Hannah, and Catherine). Ian Sommerville and his wife Lauren have one son Ian, Jr. Their youngest son Walter and wife Marianne Rowley of Media have two children (Melissa and John). Melissa Mullins and her husband Jacob have two daughters Emma and Lilly. John Rowley and his wife Christina have one son Andrew. Their youngest daughter Pamela Grover and her husband Joe of Media have 4 children (Sarah, Ben, Caitlin, and Jacob). Sarah Gaeta and her husband Ralph have three daughters Carley, Allison, and Lauren. Ben Grover and his wife Rebekah have two daughters Marilyn and Penelope.

As you can see, Jane had a very large family and loved visits from them for any occasion, especially their weekly “Sunday night dinners” at Pam & Joe’s home.  She got to see many of them almost every day.  Four children, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Jane was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who dearly loved her family. She was loved and respected by a number of folks in Middletown township, Media, and across Delaware county.  She loved going on family vacations to Vermont, Maryland, and Maine where she had many life-long friends as well.

She was a faithful servant with her husband Dallas of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For many years she served on numerous committees including helping with Bible studies at Middletown Presbyterian church, where she served as a member of the board of deacons as well as on the committee to celebrate the 275 anniversary of the church.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was near and dear to Jane’s heart.  She was a lifelong member (65 years) and served as Regent multiple times. She also served as the Vice Regent, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chaplain. As she declined in her years her many friends in the DAR would make sure to get her to the monthly meetings. It was very important for her to continue to participate.

Sewing, reading, and gardening were some of her favorite things to do. She also loved birds and would sit for hours watching the bird feeders in the back yard.  The Cardinal has a special place in her heart.

Jane was one of the most generally happy people you would ever meet.  She always had a smile and giggle that endeared her to everyone she met.

Our family would like to send a special thank you to Main Line Hospice. They provided very special care to Jane and our family over the past year.  They would come and help on nearly a daily basis. The process of passing on is never easy for any family but Hospice made it more bearable and was always there to help us along the way.

Living to the age of 91 takes personal effort and a great doctor. She truly had a great one in Dr. Ronald Carlucci. She considered him family and he was always there for her through her many treatments and hospital stays.  Many times during special occasions she would want to call the good doctor to fill him in. His receptionist Dee always had a welcoming greeting when Jane would visit.

Please join us in celebrating her life during the memorial service on Friday July 22nd at 11:00AM at Middletown Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St., Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com