Virginia Seabrook Nelson Rowland, 93, of Mattapoisett passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at Sippican Health Center in Marion. She was the wife of the late Francis C. Rowland.
Born in West Brookfield, MA on December 18, 1913, she was the eldest child of Edwin F. and Louise E. Nelson. She came to Mattapoisett in 1934. “Ginny,” to all who knew her, Mom and Grammy to her family was a very gracious, loving person with an infectious smile. Many people remember her from her years of employment at the Village Drug Store in Mattapoisett. She was an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Guild, New Bedford Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, Order of the Eastern Star, and Mattapoisett Historical Society. Ginny’s many talents included gardening, genealogy, baking, sewing, knitting, toy making and wood carving Anything she put her hands to demonstrated her patient attention to detail and craftsmanship. She is known by many for the elegant Nantucket baskets that she hand crafted, and for sharing her skills with others.
Ginny is loved and greatly missed by her family and friends. Her zest for life and positive outlook were an inspiration to all. She never lost the sparkle in her eyes.
She is survived by a son William N. Rowland and wife Sandra of Tenants Harbor, Maine; a daughter Susan L. Watjen and husband Kenneth of Mattapoisett; grandchildren Melissa Vigue, Erika Rowland, Mark Rowland, Laurel Slisz, Margaret Watjen; seven great grandchildren; and three sisters, Shirley Salerno, June Chilcutt and Estelle Jacobson.
There will be a graveside service at Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett on Saturday June 9, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Mattapoisett Historical Society, P.O. Box 535, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.