Barbara Eileen (Rowan) Menard, 68, of Little Compton, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at home surrounded by her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Edward H. and Mildred (Handrigan) Rowan.
Barbara was born on November 17, 1945 in Pawtucket, RI. She graduated from Holy Trinity School and Central Falls High School, Class of 1963. She later graduated from Sawyer Business School in 1982. Barbara was a lifelong learner, as she also attended CCRI. She was employed by NBC Channel 10 and became the National Sales Coordinator. She spent many years sharing her love and talent of dance by teaching students of all ages.
Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed freelance writing and spending time by the ocean. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as both Grams and Baz.
She is survived by her 5 children: Karen A. Corrigan and her husband Christopher; Susan E. Menard; William “Mike” J. Menard; Stephen J. Menard; and Eileen A. Manchester, all of Little Compton; her 6 grandchildren: Brett and Miles Corrigan; Michael and Miranda Menard; and Rowan and Samantha Manchester; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Edward and John Rowan.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at The United Congregational Church in Little Compton on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 11:00 A.M.
Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Little Compton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara’s name may be made to Friends of the Brownell Library, P.O. Box 523, Little Compton, RI 02837 or to the Southcoast Hospice VNA, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.