Obituary of Mary Ellen Rowley

Rowley, Mary Ellen Rochester, On March 28, 2016, age 88 after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Predeceased by the love of her life, husband William J. Rowley, and her brothers Hubert & Harold Dates. Survived by her brother Dr. Robert Dates of Albany, NY, sons William (Mary Anne) & David (Cathie) Rowley, daughter Kathleen (Ken) Strickland, grandchildren Kellen (Dorisa) & Michael Rowley, Trevor, Jason & Cameron Strickland, David & Jaclyn Rowley, great grandchildren Holden & Ezra Rowley. She graduated at the top of her class from Rochester Business Institute and went on to work at Swartout & Rowley Inc. General Contractors where she met her husband and came to understand all facets of the commercial contracting business. She served on the Board of Fairport Baptist Home including time as Vice President. She was honored as the American Baptist National Volunteer of the Year for her endearing service on the FBH Women's Service Board. Also, important to her was her longtime membership at South Avenue Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and active in many groups. Born in Corning NY on the 4th of July to parents Leah & Ernest Dates, she loved her family and making special memories at her homes on the water in St. Pete Beach, FL and on Old Orchard Pt., Conesus Lake, NY. She was the consummate "Laker" who also enjoyed cooking, writing, and a wonderful sense of humor. A memorial service to honor her life will be held April 10th at the Fairport Baptist Home Chapel at 11:00 am (4646 Nine Mile Pt. Rd). Interment to be held privately. At her request, in lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to the Physical Therapy Dept. at Fairport Baptist Home, 4646 Nine Mile Pt. Rd., Fairport, NY 14450 and the William J. Rowley Scholarship Fund at Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave., Potsdam, NY 13699.