Barbara Ann Rowland

Barbara Rowland of Nashville, Tennessee, age 64, passed away December 22, 2016 at home after a long illness. She was born March 7, 1952. She was the daughter of Philip Joseph Hostettler and Joyce Marcellene Hostettler. She is survived by her husband Jerry Rowland, son John Barton Rowland (Suzanne) and daughter Rachael Rowland, grandchild John Barton Rowland, Jr., sister Connie Radford, brothers John Hostettler, Paul Hostettler and Philip Hostettler, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Barbara graduated from St. Bernard High School where she was truly loved and acquired many friends who are a part of her life today. She began a career at St. Thomas Hospital and worked her way up through the ranks to become a registered nurse. She worked in the intensive care unit until she became an oncology nurse and spent many years working with cancer patients. She was recognized not only for her excellent nursing skills, but she was very caring and compassionate. She served her patients always with a smile and a great sense of humor. She served as the chair of the nursing practice committee at St. Thomas and was responsible for many improvements related to patient care. She was a long time member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. She served on various committees. She was the president of the chapter for two years. After working years with cancer patients, she became a transplant coordinator at St. Thomas before she retired.

Barbara was a long time member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church. She was a person of strong faith and an inspiration for many.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a way of inclusiveness and all who knew her loved her and will greatly miss her smile, laughter and warm hugs.

Gina Griffiths, Ann Bridenstine, Judy Moon, Emma Hudson, Diana Catignani, Jean Johnson and Jan Dunn will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26th, 2016 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home. Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 27th, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.