Sue P. Rowell

Sue Pierce Rowell passed away on the evening of Wednesday, February 28, 2018, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was 75 years young. She was a loving mother to her two daughters, Lisa Rowell and Debbie Frank, cherished grandmother to Patrick and Madison, dear sister to Tom Pierce and his wife Betsy from Charlotte NC, Ronnie Pierce and his wife Geraldine from Raeford, NC, Roger Pierce and his wife Donetta, from Elizabethtown, KY, loving aunt to nieces Stephanie Akers and Marissa Pierce, nephew, Jason Pierce, great-aunt to Kendall, Elise and Evan, and devoted companion to David Hyman.

We had recently celebrated her birthday in December with family that included her former husband of 47 years, Edward Rowell. Even after divorce, Sue maintained a warm and caring relationship with him.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Elgin Pierce from Abingdon, Virginia. Sue was very proud of growing up in Abingdon and returned many times over the years to see extended family and friends.

Sue was an accomplished career civil servant with the Army Audit Agency and the Onsite Inspection Agency before retiring after 30 years. She went on to her second career in the private sector with Syska Hennessy Engineering group in Fairfax.

Sue was a tireless advocate for the physically and mentally disabled and was a volunteer with Northern Virginia Training Center for over 15 years. Most recently, Sue had volunteered with the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, the flagship program of Serve Our Willing Warriors.

When she wasn’t helping others, you would find her taking yoga and Pilates classes, gardening, traveling, spending time with friends, but most importantly, enjoying time with her grandchildren. She was the rock of our family and loved by all.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 2-5 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s UMC, 5312 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, and if you would like to honor Sue’s life, donations may be made to the Fairfax County Park Foundation, c/o Clemyjontri Park.