Barbara Joy Rowe

Barbara Joy Rowe, 81, resident of RiverWoods in Durham, NH, peacefully left our world on January 21, 2025. She was born in Flushing, NY on July 15, 1943, the only child of Harold and Mary (Romeo) Smith. An enthusiastic athlete, Barbara grew up in Milford, NH and was a true New Englander. Graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Mrs. Rowe was a longtime resident of Boxborough, MA where she was a teacher at Blanchard Memorial Elementary School for many years. During these years she spent her free time cooking, supporting her daughters' sporting endeavors, camping, and in later years, visiting her vacation home in Thornton, NH.
Barbara began her retired years in Lincoln, NH where she treasured the beauty of nature, Woodstock Station, outdoor activities, and working ticket sales part time at Loon Mountain Resort. Barbara then relocated to Long Bay located in Laconia, NH. While there, she enjoyed volunteering at Lakes Region Hospital, boating, knitting, taking picnics, and happy hours on her back deck overlooking Paugus Bay.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim Rowe, of Durham, NH; her daughters, Laurie (Jason) Wisniewski of Dover, NH and Jill (Michael) Winterfield of Grand Blanc, MI; and five grandchildren who lovingly refer to her as "Grandy;" Patrick (Hannah) Yurkanin, Bradley (Sabrina) Yurkanin, Brian (Michelle) Winterfield, Allie Winterfield, and Zoe Wisniewski.
Visitation will be from 12:00 - 1:00 PM on Friday, January 31,2025, at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., Dover, NH. A Memorial Service will follow immediately at 1:00 PM at the funeral home led by Father Agapit H. Jean.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, which works with RiverWoods' Memory Care where Barbara spent her final days.