Joan Rowley passed away peacefully at dawn on April 26, at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Rowley; children, Melinda Abbott, Cynthia Murray, and Lincoln Rowley; their spouses; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A native of Teaneck, Joan attended Montclair State University where she studied English, met John, and later earned a Master’s in Special Education. She taught in Montclair and Livingston, where she spent the majority of her career, and published a book on the history of the town.
She is remembered for caring for each and all of her “kids,” whether students, family, or community members; for her voracious reading, a penchant for poems as the muse for any occasion; and her raucous laugh. John and Joan moved to Parkway Boulevard in Allentown 20 years ago after living at Lake Wallenpaupack and in Livingston. She enjoyed walks in Cedar Creek Park and the Rose garden, her book club, gardening group, gatherings of friends and family, and her active service to the local community, including volunteering weekly at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
A celebration of her life will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA, 18104, with a reception at noon, and a service at 1 p.m. on May 18.
Joan was a long-time supporter of Doctors Without Borders, and donations in her memory are a welcome tribute to a life well lived. https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.
