Virginia T. Rowe

Virginia left us on Saturday, April 23, 2016 after a brief unexpected illness. She is predeceased by her loving husband of close to 70 years, Jack Rowe (2014) and her adoring son Harlan Rowe (1984). She is survived by her daughter Jeri A. Rowe and her son-in-law Andrew Curtis.

You did things on your own terms, with courage and strength, surrounded by love, yet we find ourselves wondering...

We wonder if we ever thanked you for the sacrifices you made to let us have the very best childhood and adult lives anyone could ask for. And, for the simple things like teaching us good manners, what fun a picnic is, how licking the frosting bowl is the best treat of all, and melting candle wax on your fingers and pealing it off is great fun. You showed us that by sharing family laughter and smiles, we could defy the deepest pain.

Virginia's Daughter, Jeri Rowe-Curtis, and Son-in-Law, Andrew Curtis, wish to thank the Nursing and Assisted Living staff at the Gardens at Town Square. You provided Virginia a haven with your loving, nurturing, gentle care. Your skill, dedication, inspiration, humor and kind spirits helped Virginia through the journey of her last days. To her two caregivers, Arlene and Ju-Jun, you surrounded all of us with comfort, love, support and compassion.

To Lana and Joe (Evergreen Hospice), thank you for your kind support, guidance and expertise, to her Doctors and their staff, your attentiveness, skill, diligence and empathy made this journey something we learned to accept and not fear.

Remembrances may be made to Virginia's two favorite charities, the Epilepsy Association of Western Washington, or the Special Olympics of Western Washington.

A private entombment will be held at Acacia Memorial Park. A Celebration of Virginia's life will be held Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 2:30 pm at The Gardens at Town Square in Bellevue, WA for those who knew Virginia.

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About Virginia (Neena):

Virginia was born in Calumet City Illinois, and raised in Hammond, Indiana just outside of Chicago, where she frequently spent time with her extended family of Aunts, Uncles and many first cousins. Family gatherings, picnics, card games, and city outings were common. Her nickname Neena carried through her 93 years.

Like many of her generation, the Great Depression and World War II shaped her future and defined her values, her sense of service, her commitment to family and the importance of security and home. Trust, hard work, honesty, and decency and concern for others became the framework, which shaped Virginia's future.

Virginia graduated from Thornton Fractional High School, where Virginia was a member of the national and local honor roll, served, as an editor for her school newspaper, and was extremely popular. She was a charter member of the Chi Delta Phi Sorority, attended the University of Indiana and the Walton School of Commerce.

A highly popular beauty with lots of local beaus in uniform, she met her future husband at USO dance in Chicago, while he was stationed at Soldier Field and studying at the Army Air Forces Communications School. After a brief engagement, they were married on January 25, 1944. A furlough from Bradley Field in Connecticut enabled them to honeymoon in New York. Shortly thereafter, they transferred to San Diego prior to discharging at March Field in Riverside California in 1944.

The two eventually moved north to Los Angeles to be closer to extended family that had moved from Chicago. Here, they began close to 70 years in a loving, supportive and devoted marriage surrounded by tight-knit family gatherings that would span generations and fill a lifetime with memories. First came their adorable little boy named Harlan in 1949, followed by a miscarriage and then eventually a little bundle named Jeri-Ann in 1955. Her impeccable home and garden provided her with a sense of calm and security.

While Jack became the consummate salesman, and "Man of the Year", Virginia returned to school in her 40's to learn the technical art of medical coding and transcription, insurance benefits and claims long before computers and technology came into play. She successfully advised thousands of individuals and families on their insurance coverage and benefits, solving problems, assisting others during difficult and stressful times. First processing medical claims for the Motor Car Dealers Association of So. California, then for the Didi-Hirsch Mental Health in Culver City, CA, and upon moving to Bellevue in the early 80’s be closer to her children, she developed expertise and respect with the Senior Rights Assistance SHIBA program affiliated with Overlake Medical where she spent more than 20 years as a volunteer.

No matter the setback in life, the loss of an adult son, family health issues that might give others reason to give up; she never complained and always offered a welcoming smile, a bit of sarcasm and then words of wisdom and encouragement no matter the situation.

Virginia and Jack found great joy in the beauty of their home of 35 years their home in Bellevue WA, in their lifelong travels and dinner parties, card games and vacations with family and close friends, in the companionship of the Nile Shrine members and Lakeside Lodge members and their spouses, and in visits to their beloved Skagit Valley and San Juan Islands, Vancouver and Victoria BC.

A private, circumspect woman, her inspiration took shape in your love of family, good novels, gardening, the beauty of your impeccable home, her excellent taste in designer clothing in her youth, her favorite recipes and volunteer activities. Virginia had a generous spirit, kind nature and a huge heart. She is now with her adoring son Harlan William Rowe (who predeceased her in 1984), and her loving husband of close to 70 years, Jack (who passed away in 2014) and the many close-knit family members who passed before her. She was the last of her generation and will be forever missed and loved by her daughter Jeri Ann Rowe and her precious son-in-law who was more like a son, Andrew Fisher Curtis.

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Remembrances may be made to Virginia's two favorite charities, the Epilepsy Association of Western Washington, or the Special Olympics of Western Washington.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.