Mary Elizabeth Rowlands, age 95, of Taylor, passed away Wednesday at home, after an illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Rowlands, Sr. Married for 53 years, he died on March 11, 1994.
Born in Old Forge on February 1, 1919, daughter of the late Edward and Mary Jane Evans Wylam, Mary was a graduate of the former Taylor High School, Class of 1937. After raising her loving family, she worked for the Riverside School District. A pillar of the Stewart United Methodist Church in Old Forge, Mary served in the United Methodist Women, as church treasurer for 25 years, and actively participated in numerous other church functions. She organized bus trips for many years to various places, and as an avid card player, she was a member of the Pinochle Club. Adored by her family and many friends, she will be forever missed.
She is survived by her six children, Joyce Landmesser of Taylor, Lynn Biscontini and husband Nick of North Carolina, Robin Pliss of Taylor, James Rowlands, Jr., and Dorothy Wivell of Hughestown, John Rowlands and wife Dorothy of Duryea and Robert Rowlands of Taylor; 26 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their tremendous care throughout her illness.
Four siblings, Edna Casey, Pearl Rorick, John and Ralph Wylam; two grandchildren, Lisa and William Landmesser; and two sons-in-law, William Landmesser and Ronald Pliss, also preceded her in death.
Funeral services, to be conducted by Rev. Donald Perry, are scheduled for Saturday at 11:00AM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Interment will follow in the Milwaukee Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-8:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to her church, Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church, 147 North Main Street in Old Forge, PA, 18518.
