Carol F. Rowland

Carol F Rowland passed on Wednesday, March 29th at the age of 78. She is survived by her daughter Joy Rowland Brown (Barton), her brother Peter Flis (Sharlene), her sisters-in-law Jean Curd Brown, Linda Rowland, her nieces and nephews on the Flis and Rowland sides, and her cousin Marcia Merlo.

She lived life on her own terms....probably from day one.

Born in Pennsylvania to Pete and Frances, grew up in Fort Lauderdale and eventually settling in Las Vegas - where she could smoke and gamble almost anywhere. 🙂

Growing up in Fort Lauderdale in the 50s and early 60s sounded like a lot of fun! From harrowing rides on her father's airboat, to rocking bobbie socks and full dance cards and skipping school to be an extra on the beach in the film "Where the Boys Are". She had a host of friends from her days at Central Catholic High (now known as St Thomas Aquinas).

She loved the airlines and was hooked from her first flight on Delta airlines to visit her dear cousin Marcia in Michigan. She "ran" away to New York to become a "stewardess" for Mohawk Airlines (yes, that airline from Mad Men!). She had to lie about her age to get the gig - but she got it!

She mastered being a flight attendant and moved from the regional airline to the big leagues by landing a job with Eastern Airlines. She was based in Manhattan and lived in Kew Gardens (where the 'stews and jews' still reside!). She made lifelong friends - especially her dear friend (and my namesake) Diane. She had the time of her life as a first class flight attendant! She loved to talk about those days and tell stories of Rod Serling (who was friends with her roommate) buying their first Christmas tree in NYC, and the time her other roommate asked her to join her on a date, because her friend's date had a friend with him. Well that friend was none other than Bear Bryant!

She met her husband Sam Rowland during that time and they married a few years later. She left Eastern when she found out she was going to be a mom to Joy. She always had 'style' and loved to shop! Her nieces on the Rowland side would always love it when Aunt Carol got their name in the Rowland Christmas gift exchange. With her daughter now in middle school, she re-booted her airline career going to work as a flight attendant for a regional charter airline General Aviation - where she primarily hosted NCAA sports teams, taking them from game to game. After divorcing Sam, she found her way into sales and marketing for airlines, and met her mentor Ken Holiday who showed her the ropes of the business. She would follow Ken to many airline jobs - Key Airlines, Kalitta and the airline she helped him launch - Private Jet. (and others) Kalitta Airlines - a cargo and charter company in Michigan - owned by the legendary Connie Kalitta. She had a blast working for Connie and learning how to transport US military all over the world, as well as some of the most random things - Kentucky Derby horses, the Orca from Free Willy, and the Italian "Bufalo" (famous for their mozzarella).After many years working for many different charter airlines, she decided to go into business for herself as a charter broker. She loved being in control and the thrill of figuring out all of the details needed to ensure a seamless experience for her clients. Many considered her a 'bad ass' in the charter airline business. She spent much of the 2nd half of her life in Vegas where she met her partner in life, Art Lingle. A retired newspaper writer, blackjack dealer and aspiring novelist. She loved Art with every fiber of her being, and when he preceded her in death, she was a bit lost. She found a close circle of friends in Las Vegas that looked out for her after Art passed. Her friends from her favorite Video Poker bars - "Vegas daughter” Aleisha, Dre, Terry and others. As well as her neighbors Sarah, Jason, Anis and Courtney. She was truly blessed to have these friends in her final years. She hated funerals, so instead of a service, we are having dinner in her honor with her some of her Vegas "framily" and then her ashes will be scattered in the desert this Easter weekend.

She can then be with her beloved Art once more. (I'm sure they are at the Heavenly Gate Casino playing Video Poker and Keno as I write).