Obituary of Bernice Rowland

CHESHIRE - Bernice Cannizzo Rowland died at her home in Cheshire on Monday, October 13, of natural causes. She was 89 years old, and the beloved wife of Ralph T. Rowland. They were married for 68 years. Bernice was born in Queens, N.Y., on October 23, 1924, the daughter of the late Lucio and Lena (Natarella) Cannizzo. She graduated from St. Agnes High School at College Point, NY, and The Wood School in Manhattan. Before her marriage she worked as a secretary in the New York office of General Motors and in an architectural office in Manhattan, where she met her future husband. They were married in 1946, and have resided in Cheshire since 1955. Bernice’s life was centered on her family as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Besides her husband, she is survived by sons Glenn (Marilyn) of East Falmouth, MA, Mark (Rosemary) of Los Angeles, CA, Roy (Lynda) of Cromwell, and a daughter, Lisa (John) Majewski of Southbury, and by eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, John V. Cannizzo. Bernice was a faithful parishioner of St. Bridget’s Church, and was active in her community as a former member of the Cheshire Junior Women’s Club, St. Bridget’s Guild and the Cheshire Garden Club. She was also a past president of the (former) Women’s Guild of the CT Society of Architects. Her family would like to extend their deep gratitude to her care giver, Arfat Haji, and the Franciscan Hospice Care whose tender ministrations helped Bernice pass her final months in comfort and peace. Bernice was treasured for her cheerful personality, on display at home or during vacations spent on Cape Cod and in Maine, Canada, California and Ireland. A lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, she was particularly fond of Joe DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter. Arrangements – Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 16, 2014, 11:15 from the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. to St. Bridget Church for a Mass at 12 noon. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday morning from 10:30 until the funeral procession leaves for church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CA 06451.