Bonnie Claire Rowan's Obituary
Bonnie Claire Rowan, age 83, of Leesburg, VA, passed away on March 14, 2024, at The Cottages at Spring Arbor in Leesburg, VA. Born on June 18, 1940, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Alexander J. Mackenzie and the late Marion T. Mackenzie (Cragan). She was predeceased by her brothers Don, Bud and Craig Mackenzie. She is survived by her husband Edward T. Rowan, daughter Linda Schuetze (husband Tim), sons Edward Jr. (wife Jennifer), Shawn (wife Amy), Glenn (wife Kate), and Scott (wife Michelle) Rowan, sister Lauren Petit (husband Chris) and sister-in-laws Delores and Jackie Mackenzie and Margaret Ann Fox. Bonnie’s 11 grandchildren include Brendan and Sinclaire Schuetze, Christopher and Dawson Unger, Addison, Christopher, Michael, Lexie, Audrey, Mackenzie and Mikey Rowan.
Bonnie’s childhood home on Glenwood Road in Brooklyn, NY, was the epicenter of activity. With her father’s medical practice on the first floor, the house received a steady flow of patients at all hours of the day and night. Her Mom managed her duties as the office nurse while ruling the roost for their bustling family. Bonnie maintained her reputation as a Miss Goody Two-Shoes despite her three older brothers’ notorious neighborhood shenanigans. When Bonnie was in high school her prayers for a baby sister were finally answered, and she became a doting big sister to Lauren. She graduated high school in 1958 and then studied at the University of Toronto in Canada. An avid reader, Bonnie majored in English and after graduating, she became a 4th-grade teacher at an elementary school in Brooklyn, NY.
It was at the Breezy Point Surf Club in Queens, NY that Bonnie met Ed. Their connection was immediate, and Ed’s offer to drive Bonnie and her girlfriends home marked the beginning of a lifelong journey together. Bonnie and Ed were married on November 21, 1964, and welcomed their first child, Linda in 1966. Sons Edward Jr. and Shawn, followed soon after. Settling in Massapequa Park, Long Island, the family relished suburban life. Ed worked for the NYC Police Department, while Bonnie excelled as a mom and masterful housekeeper. Coffee klatches with other moms on Rose Street were cherished moments, and many a coffee, cigarette and story were shared on those well-deserved breaks from domesticity. The family’s annual Catskill summer vacation spent at Lake Elissa, the Weldon House (aka The House of Potatoes), and the Gypsy Point House created lasting memories.
As their family expanded in numbers and love, Irish twins Glenn and Scott arrived in the late 1970s. A move to Smithtown on Long Island was necessary for their growing brood. Bonnie expertly juggled the demands of motherhood with an infant, toddler, and teens…oh my! Eventually, Ed’s new job as Lottery Security Director took them to Albany, NY. During this period, Bonnie re-entered the workforce full-time and secured a coveted position with State Farm in their Life Insurance Department. Her unwavering determination and hard work were evident when she earned the LOMA Life Insurance designation—a remarkable achievement that demanded extensive study and successful completion of numerous courses. Never one to back down from a challenge, Bonnie also joined the State Farm Toastmasters Club, honing her public speaking and speech writing skills, which proved valuable at family reunions, parties, and events.
After years of raising their family and dedicated work, Bonnie and Ed decided to leave Upstate NY for a more temperate location close to where their grown children had settled. They chose Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, VA as their new home. Retirement was a golden phase for both. They built a beautiful lakeview home, forged lasting friendships, and reveled in the community’s amenities. Bonnie actively participated in various clubs, including the Fun Bunch, Mahjong Group, Quilting Club, and the St. Patrick Church Ladies Auxiliary. Alongside Ed, her constant companion was her beloved dog, Regis. One of Bonnie’s cherished pastimes involved watching Hallmark movies in the afternoons, with Regis snuggled beside her on the couch. Additionally, she enjoyed leisurely walks around the lake, stopping at Regis’s pals’ houses to play and share doggie treats. As Bonnie often quipped, Regis was a very popular dog.
In retirement, she and Ed embarked on jet-setting adventures, including Cancun vacations, cruises to many exotic destinations, a trip to explore the ancestral home of the Mackenzie Clan in Scotland and yearly family vacations at the Outer Banks in NC. The arrival of her 11 grandchildren multiplied her joy, and she wholeheartedly embraced her role as “Grammy.” Bonnie scoured garage sales for nearly-new highchairs, strollers, and special toys to ready her home for her grandchildren’s’ visits. She was extremely proud of all their accomplishments, and she made each grandchild feel the warmth of her unconditional love.
Bonnie’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of family, faith, friends and travel. Amidst so many blessings and the almost 60 years of marriage she shared with Ed; Bonnie faced Alzheimer’s Disease with unwavering courage. Her tenacity, spunk and humor persisted even as memories faded. Now, in the presence of God’s eternal grace, Bonnie rests peacefully, leaving her family and friends forever grateful to have been cherished and loved by her.
Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 10:30am on March 19, 2024 at St. Theresa in Ashburn, followed by A Catholic Mass at 10:30am.
*In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundations of America (http://alzfdn.org/)
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