WAKEFIELD — It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that this past Friday evening, May 1, Shirley J. Rowe peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her three children, their spouses and her nine grandchildren. She is now reunited with her loving husband, the late William H. Rowe.
She was the wonderful mother of Robert Rowe and his wife Judi of Newburyport, Linda Spang and her husband Robert of Wakefield, Donna Rallo and her husband Len Rallo of Reading, an adoring grandmother to her nine grandchildren Jenn, Mike and Steve Rowe, Bobby, Billy, Jimmy and Laura Spang, and Mike and Lenny Rallo and great-granddaughter Riley Rowe. She also leaves behind two sisters Nancy Lloyd and husband George of Osterville and Betty Thorndike of Plymouth.
Shirley was born March 14, 1930 in Malden to the late Freda and Carl Abderhalden, who had immigrated from Switzerland. Shirley grew up in Malden and graduated from Malden High School Class of 1948. She had just recently celebrated her 85th birthday and resided in Wakefield for the last 48 years. Shirley enjoyed her work in accounting at Epsilon American Express in Burlington for 10 years prior to her retirement.
Her whole life was about family — loving them, spending time together and sharing countless cherished memories. She enjoyed group vacations and family cookouts. She loved time with her sisters and sitting while listening to her grandchildren talk about their lives. Her humor and giving nature made time together special.
Shirley kept many close friends. She looked forward to monthly card games and frequent lunch outings with friends and her sisters. An avid reader, her blindness later in life didn’t stop her from listening to her favorite authors.
As she wrote in a goodbye letter to her family, “You have all been my staunch supporters, loving family and loyal friends. None could ask for more.”
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Please join us to celebrate the life of this beautiful, kind, selfless woman.
Her funeral service will be held at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Wakefield on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date.
