Obituary of Virginia P. Rowland
Virginia Packer Rowland, passed away peacefully at the Abraham House in Rome on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
Born on December 22, 1933, “Ginny,” as she was known to most, was pre-deceased by her parents Bertha Mooz and James W. Packer Sr.; and her husband of 55 years, Dudley Ely “Gig” Rowland, in 2009; and brothers David and James W. Packer Jr.
Ginny leaves behind four children, Kimberly Rowland (Mark Reynolds) and her three sons Eric Arthur (Cristi) and Christian Arthur (Noelle); and Jesse Trepiak (Esther); Leslie Rowland (Frederick Hager) and their children Peter Arnold Hager II and Virginia Rowland Hager; Dudley Ely “Dusty” Rowland, III, (Lisa) and their children Blake and Chase Rowland; and Bradley Rowland (Karen) and their children Bence and Cooper Rowland. She also leaves behind seven devoted great-grandchildren, her sister Roberta Packer Rolston; several Packer and Rolston nephews and nieces and her special friend, Jack.
Ginny prided herself as a homemaker preferring the term “Domestic Engineer,” and was well known for her elegant and always fun parties! She worked as a buyer for Simpkins Ski Shop, and later when her children were grown, started a catering business with her friend Peggy O’Shea. She was also active in the Rome Twigs, led the Mariners Girl Scout troop, and was a member of the Lake Delta Yacht Club and Teugega Country Club.
She enjoyed skiing, tennis, and bridge as well as frequent travel and counted the Thousand Islands, San Juan Islands, Palm Desert and Paris as her favorite places, and after Gig died, her winters in Florida with her dear friend, Sheila Vandeveer.
Ginny’s family would like to thank Kathy, Gail, and Connie, her wonderful at-home caregivers, and all the amazing caregivers at the Abraham House who made her last six weeks comfortable.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 3, 2023, From 4 to 6 PM, at Teugega Country Club.
Memorial donations in Ginny’s memory may be made to the Abraham House, 417 North Washington St., Rome, NY 13440, or the Rescue Mission, 413 East Dominick St., Rome.