She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Susanna Heerey; husband, Richard Everett Rowland; brothers, Charles Heerey, Jr. and John Heerey; sisters, Agnes McEachern and Catherine Wedeman.
Survived by her sons, Robert Rowland (Odily) of Raytown, Missouri, Greg Rowland of Eskridge, Kansas, John Rowland (Phatcharin) of Wichita, Kansas, Mike Rowland (Christie) of Andale, Kansas; and her daughters, Sharon Shamasko (Steve) of Wichita, Kansas, and Susan Morris (Jim) of Andover, Kansas.
She is survived by her sisters, Pat Pascoe of Agoura Hills, California, Joan Bucheit of Granbury, Texas; and brother, Ben Heerey of Tucson, Arizona.
On April 26, 1952, she married the love of her life, Richard Everett Rowland, and together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love while raising six children. Bridget was devoted to her Catholic faith and faithfully prayed every day. She found joy in attending St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, caring for her family, and working at KG&E and Wesley Hospital.
Bridget's greatest happiness came from the people around her, especially children. She had an endless collection of nursery rhymes, finger plays, songs, and games that she delighted in sharing with every child she met, continuing to entertain them right up until the end of her life. She loved all animals, especially dogs and horses, and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved. It didn't take long before strangers became friends, and friends became family. Many affectionately joked that Bridget had simply "adopted" them.
Family gatherings at Bridget's home were legendary. Nearly 50 people would somehow squeeze into her 800-square-foot home, standing shoulder to shoulder, yet no one ever felt crowded because her home overflowed with warmth, laughter, and love. She was an exceptional cook, remembered especially for her roast dinners and her famous Hawaiian Chicken. Her grandchildren affectionately nicknamed her "Orange Grandma" because she always had fresh orange slices waiting for them whenever they visited, a simple tradition that became one of their sweetest childhood memories.
Bridget was known for her generous heart, unwavering kindness, and endless stories. Her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, welcoming smile, and ability to make every person feel important were gifts that touched countless lives. Her greatest legacy is the family she nurtured and the love she freely shared with everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 31, at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 S. Hydraulic, Wichita. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:00AM; Funeral Mass will be at 10:30AM, both on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 123 N. Andover Rd., Andover. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 7200 E. 45th St. N., Bel Aire.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with Toys for Tots.
