Kathleen Gay Rowe

   In 1946, there was renewed optimism as WWII was over and people were beginning to renew their lives. On an unseasonably warm spring day, March 12, 1946, Kathleen was born to Gerard and Marie DeJonge. She was welcomed into the world by her two older brothers-John and Jim, and later joined by their youngest brother, Jeff.

   Kathy enjoyed growing up in the small town of Grandville, Michigan, where she was active in her church, played clarinet in the high school band, and met her best friend for life, Nancy Nichols McIntyre.

   Kathy always enjoyed books and learning, enjoying many trips to the local library, and enrolling in Grand Rapids Junior College after graduation. It was while attending college that she met another best friend for life-Sharon Majewski.

    Also, while in college, Kathy met another student-William K. Rowe, through a friend of a friend. They met in January of 1968, and they were married on April 5 of 1968. 

   Together, they built the family and life she had hoped for-as she had always wanted to be a mother. They taught Sunday school together for many years for lower elementary age children. They often hosted holiday celebrations and birthday parties as celebrating all the milestone events were important to them. They were known for their lasagna dinners, and Thanksgiving feasts. Their Silver Anniversary party was so much fun-as they requested the gift of a silver Christmas ornament to add to their collection.

   Kathy and Bill were blessed to celebrate their Golden Anniversary together a few years before he passed away in December of 2020. Though it was very hard for her during his final illness and passing, Kathy persevered through her own illnesses, embracing her physical therapy through the care and connection with her therapists. 

   Right until the end, Kathy loved reading and storytelling, finishing rereading one of her treasured books that she had owned for sixty-five years.

   Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Gerard and Marie, her brother James DeJonge, her nephew Richard DeJonge, her brother in law Robert Rowe, and her nephew Scott Kerstin. 

   Kathy is survived by her children Terri (Jim Lam), William, Timothy, and Kimberley. 

   She is also survived by her brothers John (Donna) DeJonge, Jeff (Raesa) DeJonge, sister-in-law Sandy Brugel, and sister in law Sharon Rowe. 

   She is also survived by many nieces and nephews-Jodie, Paige, Alison, Renee, Bob, Bil, Sue, and Linda.

   We are all grateful for many dear family friends that have stood by her and us over the years-the DeBoers, Haltenhoffs, Traps, Woodwards, and Zenks. 

   We are grateful for the care and support she received from her faith community-especially from Pastor Carole Aardsma, Melissa Langworthy, and Carole Bradford.

   Donations in her honor may be made to The American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/michigan or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital:  www.stjude.org

   A Private Committal Service will be held at Fort Custer on Friday October 17. 

   A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held a Christ Memorial Church on Saturday October 18. Visitation is at 10 AM, funeral service is at 11 AM, and lunch is immediately after the funeral service. The church address is 595 Graafschap Road, Holland, M., 49423. Entrance door D may be used.

   A livestream of the service can be viewed at the following site: https://www.youtube.com/live/nZ79EdNSigQ