Wilma Mae Owen Rowe

Wilma Mae Owen Rowe was born August 28th 1918 to Harold & Hazel (Smith) Owen in Watertown NY. Due to New Time in 1918 her birth certificate states August 29, 1918, but for years she has celebrated the 28th. She graduated from Watertown HS in June 1936. Shortly after graduation Wilma married William L. Fagan on August 4th whom she always referred to as the love of her life. In July 1944 she was then widowed after Bill was killed in action over France during WWII, where his body was laid to rest in Normandy, France. Wilma went on to attend business school and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She was employed by the American National Red Cross of Washington D.C. where she served as secretary to the field director of services to veterans in Syracuse Veterans Administration Regional Office. On September 13, 1952 she married Gordon A. Rowe in Syracuse, NY. In July of 1953 they adopted twin boys, David and Jonathon Rowe. Over the years she traveled the world with her husband and two sons being that Gordon was a career intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. The Rowe’s had eventually been stationed in Spain, where she enjoyed being a full time mother to her sons. Sometime after that they were stationed in the USA, Fairfax, VA. Wilma had started working for Merle Norman as a makeup consultant in 1971. Later in 1974 they relocated to Spring Hill, FL after building their home on Chase Street. She continued her work for Merle Norman and was also the president of the Art Guild or Hernando County, in the 80’s. Upon moving to Florida she also became a member of First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill. Wilma was an avid amateur photographer, and a bird and wildlife enthusiast. In 1985 she was blessed once again with the birth of her grandson, Jonathan Rowe II. For several years Wilma enjoyed her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother when once again she was widowed on June 19, 1996 when Gordon passed away from cancer. Over the years she continued to live on Chase St. enjoying life with her children and grandson and made many friends throughout her time there. One of her closest being Leilani Toto, who would eventually take over her care in April of 2015. She would always lovingly refer to her as the daughter she never had. Upon going into Mrs. Toto’s care she relocated to Tennessee with her and her husband Daniel. Wilma loved the area and enjoyed all of her time there seeing bears, and other wildlife in the Smokey Mountains. She even attended a Garth Brooks Concert. Although Wilma was fond of Tennessee, she longed to return to Spring Hill, FL. Thus, in July she moved back to Hernando County living with her caregiver and friend Mrs. Toto. The last 8 months of her life she was treated like a queen. Wilma was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Survivors include her sister Elva Peters (St. Pete), sons David and Jonathon Rowe (Spring Hill), and grandson Jonathan II (Orlando) nephew James (Donna) Peters and niece Sandra (Ronald) Schultz and their children. Leilani Toto her friend and caregiver and the entire Toto family that she had been close with for many years. As Wilma wished, she passed peacefully in her beautiful room with her cat by her side, her dog at her feet, and Leilani and Daniel holding her hands at 12:03 AM Friday December 18, 2015. Wilma’s family and friends will gather at the Turner Funeral Homes Spring Hill Drive Chapel on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, from 12 noon until 1:45 PM. The graveside service will be held at the Florida Hills Memorial Gardens at 2 pm, with Pastor Greg Freeze of the First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill officiating. Interment will follow at the gardens next to her husband Gordon Rowe, following all services. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation on behalf of Wilma to the Red Cross or HPH Hospice.