Kathleen Ann Rowe

Kathleen Ann Rowe, 75, of Ashburnham, passed away suddenly on October 4, 2025, outside the warm, welcoming home she lived in for more than 45 years. Though we are shocked and bereft at the loss, we are forever warmed by so many wonderful memories of our “Lady Of The Lake.”

Kathy was born in Fitchburg on June 15, 1950, the daughter of the late Llewellyn M. Rowe, Jr., and Dorothy (Varney). She graduated from Fitchburg High School, received a Bachelor of Arts from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and continued her education at Fitchburg State College, where she was awarded two Master of Arts degrees.

Kathy taught for more than 30 years in the Fitchburg school system, first at Crocker Elementary School, and then at B.F. Brown Junior High School, as a teacher of reading and English. She often wryly described her seventh graders as being “the same as my first graders, only taller.” Classes with “Ms. Rowe” were rigorous but lively—she enjoyed telling stories, but loved hearing them even more; she delighted in her success at encouraging even reluctant students to open up in class.

Kathy loved to help others, and was intrinsic to the fabric of her community. She was a lifelong parishioner and choir member of the Rollstone Congregational Church in Fitchburg, serving on many committees and as its Church Clerk. She spent every summer at Camp Wellville, her true second home, and served on its Board of Directors. Kathy loved sitting on its beach with friends, kayaking with her husband David, picking wild blueberries and making pie… always with ice cream. As its “Lady of the Lake,” she taught swimming and water safety to thousands of children over the years. Kathy was so often seen in the water during the summer that some of her swimming students didn’t recognize her when she wasn’t in a bathing suit.

Kathy enjoyed visiting other continents and cultures—among them Ireland, France, and China. She and David always returned with stories of connecting with the people they met abroad, and the wonderful foods they sampled along their journey.

Kathy leaves her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, David St. Cyr of Ashburnham; her niece, Hannah Pandiscio of South Carolina; and her brother-in-law Mark Pandiscio of Westminster, as well as many extended family members and friends. Kathy was predeceased by her sister and best friend, Rebecca Pandiscio, who passed away in 2017.

Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Friday, October 17, from 4-7pm.

The Funeral Service will be held in Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main St., Fitchburg on Saturday, October 18, at 10:00 am. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Camp Wellville, Inc., 199 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, or to Rollstone Congregational Church, at the same address.

To send an online condolence please visit www.brandonfuneral.com.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.