Pauline Rowe

Pauline Anne (Duff) Rowe, a resident of Saint Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023, at the age of 94. She was born on June 7, 1929, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Paul Edward Duff and Mary Elizabeth (Connor) Duff.
Pauline's life story began in New Castle, Pennsylvania during the Depression era of the 1930's. Her formative years were guided by loving parents who taught her the values of kindness, generosity, volunteering, integrity and a strong Catholic Faith. When her brother, John, was born in 1938, she gained not only a sibling, but a lifelong friend who would support her throughout her life. World War II made a deep impression on Pauline's upbringing and immersed a strong sense of American patriotism and reverence to those who served, especially her classmates and friends. In 1947, Pauline graduated from New Castle High School. She then went on to further her education at Slippery Rock State Teacher's College in Slippery Rock, PA and graduated in 1951. Then, it was off to the East Coast to begin her adult life.
Pauline met her husband, William F. (Rokowski) Rowe when they met as elementary school teachers at LaMonte School in Bound Brook, NJ. They married on June 20, 1954, and began their life's journey by moving to Long Island, NY. Pauline taught elementary school in Garden City. She and Bill became the loving parents of three children: William Paul, Daniel Charles, and Elisabeth Anne. As Bill furthered his education and received his PhD from New York University, Pauline raised their children. They made their homes in the towns of Bethpage, Baldwin, and Hempstead. They moved to Red Hook, NY in the mid 1960's as Bill began his education administration career. Then, in the late 1960's, career aspirations sent them on the move to Somerville, NJ where Bill became Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
In 1969, Pauline, Bill and their family moved to Bristol, CT. During the 1970's and 1980's, Pauline was the pillar of strength for her husband who had become Superintendent of Schools and her young family, while making her mark on the education of those less fortunate in the local school systems. She taught homebound students in the Plymouth and Terryville Public Schools and found it incredibly rewarding. Always one to lend a hand, Pauline volunteered in local charitable organizations, such as the Bristol WSO and the St. Joseph Church Ladies Guild. It was at this time that she caught the antiques and collectibles bug. If you attended flea markets and antiques shows in CT, PA or NC, you may have visited her booth, "The Pearls of Pauline." She had a creative eye for décor and display and enjoyed making a sale and new friends!
Pauline's devotion to family was paramount in her life. She taught her children the same values as she grew up with and encouraged them to grow through further education and pursue their individual talents. Arts, theatre, music, family gatherings, and travel were the cornerstones of family life in the Rowe household. A proud homemaker and excellent cook, Pauline strived to make everyone's life well rounded and rooted in love and Faith in God.
After her husband's death in 1987, Pauline moved back to her roots in New Castle. She made this new chapter in her life a fulfilling one. Pauline's spirit found its rhythm in travel, the arts, antiques and ballroom dancing, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels for many years. Friends Lynn and Terry Unangst, Patricia Straccia, the Frank Simpson family, the Edwin Stevens family, the Dess family, neighbors from New Castle, and the ladies of The Trading Post, were very special to her. Outgoing and personable, Pauline never met a stranger...everyone she met was made to feel comfortable.
In the mid 2000's, Pauline lived throughout FL and NC to be near her daughter Beth and her husband, Francisco (Frank), who was like a son to her. Tending to you, our dear mother, during the last years and months of your life was a gift. We would like to thank the staff and nurses on the 2nd floor of Westminster of St. Augustine Assisted Living for their boundless energy and compassion. You are Angels of Mercy!
Pauline leaves behind three children: Paul Rowe of Southport, NC, Daniel Rowe and his wife, Melissa, of Conway, SC, and Beth Anne Rivera and her husband, Francisco, of St. Augustine FL. Her brother John E. Duff and his wife, Margaret of Greensburg, PA, were the mainstays of her life and gave immeasurable gifts of love, laughter and support. She loved you all to the moon and back!
She also leaves behind her grandson Clinton Rowe of Sayreville, NJ, granddaughter Tammy Messina of HI, several nieces and nephews of the Duff, Rokowski, and Kozikowski families. Just a mention of your name brought a smile and a fond memory to share. She loved you! Pauline had a special affection for Lalena Rivera Salafia, her children Skyler and Michael and the entire Rivera family. The VanWagoner family of Bristol, CT was, and still is, a tribute to great friendship. You all meant so very much to her...she loved knowing all of you!
Rest in peace, dear mother. We miss you dearly, but know you are in Paradise with our Lord and Creator. Your earthly journey has ended. Your Heavenly journey is endless!
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church, 33 Queen St., Bristol, CT on June 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol, CT.