Mom passed away on the morning of September 26 following an extended stay at Fir Park Village dealing with the effects of dementia. She was predeceased by her husband Ed, parents George Francis Riley and Mary Irene Elizabeth (Barwick), sons Keith and Daryl, sisters Evelyn (Ted Purnis) and Jean (Bill McDade).
Mom joins her loving husband Ed, the love of her life, who passed away January 18, after 62 years of marriage. She leaves behind her sons Ron and Kevin (Holly), grandchildren Justin, Travis and their mother Elaine; cousins, nieces and nephews with their extended families.
She was born in Merritt, BC and moved to Port Alberni with her family where she met her husband and raised her family. After several jobs working for A.W. Neill and BC Government, being devoted to her family, she decided to stay at home and raise her children. She enjoyed baking, dancing which lead, with Dad, to a lifelong enjoyment of Square Dancing; a lifelong member of the Rebekah Lodge (IOOF). She also enjoyed floor curling with the Sunshine Club where she was a member for several decades and of course she enjoyed visiting and keeping in touch with all her relatives in BC.
Camping was a big part of family life and after Dad retired, they spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona and summers camping with the Sunshine Trailer Club. Over the years, Mom had to deal with not only the personal loss of family members but chronic health issues as well. With these adversities, she was upbeat, with a quirky sense of humour and that smile.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff at Fir Park Village. As per her wishes, no service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rowena’s memory to the Alzheimer Society or West Coast General Hospital Foundation.
