Obituary of Blanche Rosemary Rowan

BLANCHE ROSEMARY ROWAN Albany - Blanche R. Rowan, 90, of Albany, beloved wife of the late Edward M. Rowan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2015, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was currently residing. Born on January 27, 1925, in Brooklyn, Blanche was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Stern) Parente. She married Edward Rowan on her birthday, January 27, 1951, in Ozone Park, New York, and the two shared a blessed union of over 56 years prior to his passing in 2007. Blanche lived with her family in Hudson Falls, Latham, and most recently at Avila Retirement Community. Blanche was a loving and devoted spouse and mother. She parlayed a leisure art class into a lifelong activity as an accomplished artist. Following years as a dedicated homemaker, she returned to school and earned an Associate Degree in Art from Hudson Valley Community College. Blanche is survived by her loving children: James M. (Katie) Rowan of Ann Arbor, MI; Rosemary Ann (Steve Petrakis) Rowan of Albuquerque, NM; Elaine T. Rowan of Sunnyvale, CA; John F. (Val) Rowan of Germantown, MD; and Patrick J. (Mary) Rowan of Santa Ynez, CA, as well as her nine cherished grandchildren: Michael, Christina, Tyrone (Jacque), Lisa, Roy, Andrew, Matthew, Sean and Thomas. She is also survived by her sister, Jane Pascale, of Old Bridge, NJ. A brother, James Andrew Parente, preceded her in death. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday, September 21, 2015, from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, NY, 12110. Blanche's life will be celebrated at a service on Monday at 12:30 pm at the funeral home immediately following the visitation. Interment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 For directions, information or to leave condolences for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com