Obituary of Marilyn Patricia Rowan

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marilyn Patricia Rowan on October 18th, 2024 at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Fredericton. 

Marilyn was born in Northampton, England on May 22nd, 1947, to Arthur and Dorothy (Durost) Thorpe. She moved to Canada at age 2 and spent the rest of her life in Fredericton. 

Marilyn was a proud alumna of Dalhousie University physiotherapy program and spent a long career as a physiotherapist at the DECH, helping others achieve independence and relief from pain. Later in her career, as patient care became difficult with her own health, she entered hospital management and then returned to school and she and her family were rightly proud of her earning a Masters in Business Administration from UNB in 2000.

Throughout her life, Marilyn was always active in her community and particularly in her church. She and Charles were always busy in their local parish, particularly in lay formation. Marilyn spent many years at St. Dunstan’s as a member of and then leading the Family Mass choir, as well as many other roles over the years. She believed fiercely in the resurrection and in bringing the Word to life, in music and liturgy.

Marilyn is survived by her younger sisters, Evelyn Mann and Jeanne Lee; by her loving husband of fifty four years Charles Rowan; by her sons James (Deserie) Rowan and David (Laura) Rowan; by David's daughters, her beloved grandchildren Rachel and Molly; by her many nieces, nephews and their children; and by her extended family both here and in England.

Although she fought fiercely to maintain independence, Alzheimer’s was an implacable foe. In lieu of flowers, to honor her struggle the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer's Society.

Visitation will be at McAdams Funeral Home on Friday, October 25th from 3-5pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Dunstan's Catholic Church on Saturday, October 26th at 11 am, with reception to follow.