Marie McKittrick Rowlee October 10, 1933 - May 2, 2023
retire.” After graduation, she taught Secretarial Science courses and worked in the Registrar’s Office at Barry, where she met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Rowlee, when he enrolled in evening classes open to men. They wed in 1962 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and had four children. They were married for 44 years and she cared for him during his long illness until his passing in 2006.
For 43 years, Marie cherished her role as bookkeeper at Plymouth Preschool in Coconut Grove, retiring at 80. The positive, nurturing environment and meaningful interactions with colleagues, parents, and students at Plymouth brought her much joy and fulfillment. An active member of St. Hugh Catholic Church for many years, she enjoyed singing in the church choir. Shelling along Ft. Myers Beach in summertime, and family trips to Paris, Barcelona, Asheville, and Phoenix were especially memorable. She was devoted to her children and made many sacrifices for their benefit. She actively supported their academic and extracurricular activities at West Laboratory Elementary School and Coral Gables Senior High School. She gave them her love through the gifts of music, time, wisdom, and experience.
Strong, independent, resourceful, and meticulous, Marie did things her way on her own, without fanfare or attention. Her actions spoke louder than her words. Never one to complain or burden others, she did her best with what she had, always strived to be useful and helpful, and never gave up. She faced life’s challenges with the same grace and perseverance she applied to all things she undertook. Obstacles along the way never stopped her from living a full, positive, and productive life in service to those around her. She took delight in simple pleasures: music, ice cream, coffee, orchids, Bingo, word games, jigsaw puzzles, cooking, baking, afternoon strolls in nature, and gatherings with loved ones. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and a loyal friend to all who knew her.
She will be remembered for her patience and determination, kind heartedness, generosity, and loyalty to loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, John. She is survived by her children, Michael (Julie), Christine, and James (Jeanne); daughter-inlaw, Eva; and grandchildren, Madison, Ashley, and Matthew.
The family expresses its appreciation to her nephews and nieces, Wilbur, Jr., Jimmy, Melissa, and Meriann, for their steadfast love and support. The family also thanks her dedicated team of caregivers, Komal, Marieta, Yaimara, Loicys, Jubina, Juan, Veronica Orona-Samms, and the entire Vitas hospice staff. Thank you for caring compassionately for Marie and giving her the love and support she needed. She embraced life and stayed strong and true to herself until the end. We will forever remember her graciousness, dignified appearance, and warm, sweet smile.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Hugh Catholic Church, 3460 Royal Road, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, immediately followed by a reception at the Bayshore Club, 3391 Pan American Dr., Miami, FL 33133. Please consider a donation in her memory to the St. Hugh Catholic Church music program or Plymouth Preschool scholarship fund.