Mary Lucey Rowan

Mary Lucey Rowan, of Ashburn, Virginia, 90, passed peacefully in her home on Thursday, August 24, 2023. She was born on September 3, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Cecelia Lucey, her beloved husband of 39 years, Eugene F. Rowan and her son, David G. Rowan (Marilou). She is survived by her sister Joan L. Donnelly (Jack), her three children, Paul E. Rowan (Lisa Chambers), Mark C. Rowan (Suzanne), Virginia R. Pommer (Bob), her nine grandchildren, Danielle R. McDermott (Jake), Tierney R. Gordon (Matthew), Brian P. Rowan, Kaitlin S. Rowan, Andrew P. Rowan, Brendan F. Rowan, R. Will Pommer, Henry A. Pommer, Lucey R. Pommer, and her five great grandchildren, Campbell C. Gordon, Matthew M. Gordon, Jr., David J. McDermott, Ryan J. McDermott and Sally J. Gordon.

Mary grew up in Brooklyn and was a New Yorker through and through. She graduated from Mary Louis Academy in Queens, NY in 1950. From there she went on to attend and graduate from St. Elizabeth’s College in Convent Station, NJ in 1954. Mary loved to travel from a young age. Shortly after college graduation, Mary went on a trip to Bermuda with her best friend, Maureen B. Scott. It was on this trip that both Mary and Maureen met their respective husbands. Mary and Gene were married in Manhasset, NY at Saint Mary’s Church on November 17, 1956. Their lovely reception was filled with friends, family, dinner and dancing and was held at The Manhasset Bath Club.

Mary and Gene settled into married life in Rockville Centre, NY, where Gene was an associate with White & Case, LLP. During their time here, they welcomed their four children. In an event that foreshadowed their future life, they moved to Chevy Chase, DC for one year when Gene worked for the Plans for Progress Commission. Upon returning to New York, they moved to Port Washington, one town over from her parents who were in Manhasset.These were some of her happiest days. For the next eight years, Mary was thrilled to be in such close proximity to her parents and felt so fortunate to fill her days here with continuous family dinners and togetherness. In 1975, the family once again moved to the DC-area, landing in McLean, VA for Gene’s career in government relations.

The Rowan Family moved to the neighborhood of McLean Hamlet, following their dear Port Washington friends, the Cummings Family. It was in “The Hamlet” where Mary found herself fully immersed in two worlds. Her more formal life was filled with charity, cultural and political events on the arm of Gene. Her more fun and truth be told, preferred, life was filled with her fun neighborhood gaggle of girls who humorously referred to themselves as the “Winos”.

Mary very much believed in the importance of volunteering and giving back to her community. She was very involved with Saint Coletta's, Meals on Wheels, and S.O.M.E (So Others May Eat) and CASA. Mary was a doer and she loved her charitable work throughout the years with these special organizations.

In her final years with Gene, they filled their days with travel, attending and planning weddings, and welcoming their cherished grandchildren. These were very happy and full years for Mary and Gene. They were thrilled to enjoy the beautiful life and family they built together. Gene sadly passed in 1995. But wait, there’s more!

Following Gene’s death, Mary flourished in her role as devoted mother and grandmother and eventually, great grandmother - hosting so many holidays, attending every grandparent’s day and never missing a soccer game or ballet recital; always greeting you with that pretty twinkle in her eye. She was so proud of her legacy.

Eventually, Mary settled in Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, VA, where she was able to welcome new and old friends.She helped the community she met there, attending mass at St. Theresa’s and driving friends, playing bridge and having regular dinners with her friends there. She met great friends there and as usual, never met a stranger. Our family has heard from her community that she was cherished there.

Mary was so full of life, so cheerful, so happy and was never found without her signature beaming smile. She was an avid reader and still subscribed to the New York Times. You could depend on Mary for many things. Among those, a folded newspaper with the crossword puzzle showing and pencil in hand, a good book recommendation, a deck of cards, a warm hug at just the right time when you needed one, and a strong political opinion. She was so smart, and always engaged and informed on the world around us. Mary had a most infectious laugh and a fantastic sense of humor. How many of us reading this now can hear her exclaiming, “OH! *slaps her thighs with both hands* That’s a scream!”. We consider her life a gift to all who knew her. She fully embodied the phrase, “to know her was to love her”.

We are so thankful for your outpouring of love and support in honor of Mary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003.

A funeral service for Mary will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, Mclean, VA 22101. A reception will occur Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 7001 Georgetown Pike, Mclean, VA 22101.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-fh.com for the Rowan family.