Obituary of Nancy Rowswell

Nancy Rowswell passed away April 10, 2024, in Tacoma, Washington.  She was born June 25, 1948, to Ray and Carol Hunt in Walla Walla, Washington.  A resident of Olympia, Washington, for 44 years, she also lived in Touchet, Washington; Moses Lake, Washington, Iwakuni, Japan; Palo Alto, California;     and San Deigo, California.

 

Nancy graduated from Olympia High School in 1966 and earned a BA in Early Childhood Education from Washington State University in 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael Rowswell, on February 1, 1970; so began a 54-year adventure of mostly love and laughter along with a few small bumps and, most recently, a devastating loss.

 

Family was all important to Nancy. Her love for her three sons and seven grandchildren was immeasurable. Her greatest joy came from being with them, whether making cookies, playing games, watching their activities, or just visiting. That love extended to her daughters-in-law, sisters, and family. Her face would light up whenever one of her sisters called, family members visited, or she attended a family event.

 

Nancy’s love of children was the focus of her career. She mentored many teachers and trained countless others to effectively develop early learners emotionally and socially, and to prepare for school. She used her knowledge and wisdom gained through college education and ongoing study to personally develop her early learners at Magical Years Child Development Center, which she owned and operated. Later, she became a State Childcare Licensor and used her wisdom and knowledge to help childcare businesses improve their programs. Nancy’s love of children, winning smile, kindness, and positive approach made her beloved by children and adults alike. Although she will be sorely missed, her influence will be felt far into the future.

 

Nancy was a kind and loving person. She was always positive and lit up every room she entered with her beautiful smile and joyful and calm demeanor.  She was always interested in others. She also enjoyed sewing, crafting, and gardening.  She will be deeply missed by many.

 

She is survived by her husband, Michael Rowswell; sons, Steven (Kelly), Samuel (Sarah) and Thomas (Amy) Rowswell; grandchildren, Ethan, Hailee, Alex, Evan, Cayden, Elijah and Myla Jo; and sisters, Karen Schubert, Kathy Brazeau-Lemire, and Jena Sticklin.

 

Services will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 904 Washington St., Olympia, WA 98501. A reception will follow in The Fellowship Hall.

 

Donations may be made to a memorial fund set up in Nancy’s name at the Family Education and Support Services. Donations go to FESS, PO Box 14907, Tumwater, WA 98511. Please identify the donations as being for the Nancy Rowswell Memorial Fund. Donations may also be made online at www.Familyess.org. There is a tab labeled “Giving and Events” that has a dropdown box. Choose “Memorial Funds,” where you will then see Nancy’s fund for donation.

 

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