Head trauma from a tragic fall claimed the life of Janine Marie Rowe, age 36, on Thursday, October 9, 2014.
Born October 30, 1977, in Marion to Dr. John and Judy (Thaw) Rowe, she graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1996 and was a member of the National Honor Society.
She furthered her education at The Ohio State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. She then worked at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., first with the Cold War International History Project and then with the Middle East Women’s Rights Project.
After acquiring a Master’s degree in social work from OSU, she worked at the Marion Area Counseling Center focusing on family preservation counseling. She was actively engaged in farming with her dad on the family farm.
Deeply dedicated to Catholic education, she was an elected member of the Diocesan Schools Advisory Commission and member of the Marion’s Catholic School Advancement Committee. She volunteered in numerous school fundraising and service activities, including facilitating “Voices”, a girls’ junior high program of self-discovery and empowerment. Her kindness and generosity extended beyond this life as an organ donor through Lifeline of Ohio. Her most cherished time was spent with her godchildren, nephew Bobby Stephenson and niece Marissa Stephenson.
She is survived by her parents: Dr. John and Judy (Thaw) Rowe, Marion: and sister: Pamela (Dr. Robert) Stephenson, and nephew and niece, Bobby and Marissa, Powell, Ohio. Also surviving are uncles and aunts: Jerry and Pebble (Rowe) Wyant, John and Marilyn (Rowe) Moodie, Connie Thaw, Larry and Sue (Thaw) Brown, and Dr. Michael and Cathy (Thaw) Dickerson, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Vean and Dora Rowe and John and Valeska Thaw; brother Jonathan Rowe; uncle: Don Thaw; and cousin: Lisa Thaw.
The family will receive friends Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Boler Activity Center, 590 Forest Lawn Drive, Marion, Ohio with parish prayers at 5 PM. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 17, 2014, in St. Mary Catholic Church, Marion. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Marion.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to St. Mary’s Elementary School or 820 AM Catholic Radio. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallfolk.com.
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