Mary Regina "Jean" (Darney) Rowell

Mrs. Mary Regina “Jean” (Darney) Rowell, 86, of Yarmouthport MA and formerly of Milford MA, died Wednesday (September 27, 2017) at the Medway Country Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late William Rowell, who died in 1976.

Mrs. Rowell was born in Milford MA, the daughter of the late Charles and the late Regina (Beaulac) Darney. She was a graduate of the former St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1947. She was also a graduate of the former St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing, located in Worcester MA. She later received her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her master’s degree in nursing from Boston College.

Mrs. Rowell began her nursing career working as the public health nurse for the Town of Holliston. She then served as the Superintendent of Nurses for the Worcester County. Lastly, she was employed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

As a younger woman she had served as a US Navy nurse in the naval reserve, retiring as a Lt. Commander. She was a longtime member of the Massachusetts State Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.

Mrs. Rowell had been a resident of Cape Cod later in her life. She loved to travel and loved to knit items for donation and volunteered for years at Cape Cod Hospital. She was an excellent swimmer, was a wood carver and golfer. She was a communicant of St. Pius Church on Cape Cod and loved to sing in the church choir and was also a member of a choral group that performed at various venues.

Mrs. Rowell is survived by 1 Niece: Sarah, wife of Philip C. Fox of Franklin MA; 1 Nephew: Stephen C. Darney and his wife Kathy of Thomaston ME; 4 Grandnieces & Grandnephews: Kalen Darney, William Fox, Stephen Darney and Anya Fox; also several cousins.

In accordance with her wishes cremation will take place. Her funeral will be held Thursday (October 5th) from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 NOON in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford MA. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family in Howard Street Cemetery in Northborough MA. A visiting hour will be held Thursday morning (October 5th) from 10:30am to 11:30am, prior to her Funeral Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham MA 02452.

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