Alice Marie Rowan, 90, passed away peacefully in Turlock, California on May 21, 2023. She was born January 24, 1933, in Spokane, Washington to Clarence and Myrtle Waage and raised along with her six siblings, Betty, Deloris, Clarence, Robert, Edward, and Patricia.
Alice’s family later moved to Yelm, Washington where she was active in the high school choir. After graduating from high school in 1951, Alice studied Accounting at the College of Puget Sound.
She then moved from the Pacific Northwest to San Francisco with friends and worked as an accountant at Anglo Crocker Bank, Pabco and Fiberboard. It was in San Francisco where she met her future husband, Matthew Rowan, originally of Woonsocket, South Dakota.
Alice and Matthew married in June 1958 at the Carmel Mission and began their fifty-seven-year journey through life together. They began their married life in San Francisco, later moving to the communities of South San Francisco and Walnut Creek. In 1973 they settled down in Turlock. Alice and Matthew lived out their Sacramental marriage as a true partnership serving each other, their family, and their community. Together, they raised six children and started their own thriving business later to become Service Supply System, Inc.
Whether it was Turlock, Walnut Creek or South San Francisco, Alice was active in her community and local Catholic parish. She enjoyed serving in a wide variety of positions including CCD Teacher, youth group leader, scouting leader and served as an advocate for the elderly and others in need. In addition, Alice was a mentor to many young people working in their first professional role. She was patient, instructive and encouraged young people to pursue their interests.
Alice enjoyed writing poetry in the early morning hours over a cup of coffee before the bustle of family activities began. Faith and family were foremost in Alice’s life and were reflected in her poetry. Once her children were grown, she spent countless hours enjoying her grandchildren and their activities. Whether it was dance and music recitals, baseball and soccer games, trips to the beach and the park or listening to her grandchildren’s stories, Alice was ever present.
Alice, as a loving Mother and Grandmother, is survived by her children Denise Rowan, Matthew (Teri) Rowan, Thomas Rowan, Regina (Brian) Bowyer and David (Shannon) Rowan. She also leaves behind grandchildren Mary Rowan, Elizabeth Rowan, Grace Simko, Paige Rowan, Brian Bowyer, Sydney Rowan, Rowan Bowyer, and Michael Rowan; as well as many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Matthew, and children, Michael Rowan, and Theresa Rowan.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Allen Mortuary in Turlock. A visitation will be held prior to the Rosary from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Turlock on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.
