Elinor Webster Rowe

Elinor Webster Rowe, 89, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wis.
Born Dec. 23, 1917, in Cortland Township, Ill., she was the daughter of Dorothy (Hiland) and Percy Webster.
She graduated from DeKalb High School and then from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in music education. As a student she participated in music-related activities, such as playing her violin in the college orchestra, and also was active in organizations. Her first teaching position was in Earlville, after which she married Lester E. Rowe, her college sweetheart, and moved to Zion. Subsequently they moved to Warrenville and South Holland.
Through the years, Elinor continued to play her violin in orchestras, string quartets and musical stage productions and actively participated in the music of the Methodist church, becoming an accredited minister of music, a role that included directing the youth and adult choirs. She saw the good in all genres of music, even rock 'n' roll. For 15 years she taught elementary school classroom music in the Riverdale-Dolton school district, concurrently initiating and developing a strong districtwide string (violin) program. During this time Elinor also was actively involved in her children's activities, such as Girl Scouts, and received recognition for her community service.
Upon retirement she and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout the world and spending time at their cottage on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. In 2000, they moved to the Madison area.
She is survived by her husband, Lester; four children, Mary Adams of Bisbee, Ariz., Dorothy Rowe (Paul Johnson) of Sacramento, Calif., Paul (Nora) Rowe of Oak Forest and Libby Rowe (Michael Hilden) of Madison, Wis.; six grandchildren, Rob Adams of Page, Ariz., Margy Sweeney of Evanston, Lisa (Tom) Woltman of Oswego, Tony (Kitty) Rowe of Lansing and Andrew Hill and Catherine Hill, both of Sacramento, Calif.; four great-granddaughters, Morgan and Maddie Sweeney and Hannah and Mia Woltman; two brothers, Jim (Janet) Webster of DeKalb and Tom (Barb) Webster of Columbus, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Percy Webster.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Mound Rest Cemetery in Cortland, with the Rev. Terry O'Brien presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Madison Community Orchestra in care of Lester Rowe.
For information, contact Lewin Funeral Home, 210 Main St., Fremont, WI 54940, at (920) 446-2288 or www.lewinfuneralhome.com.