With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mom, wife, grandma, and great grandma, Rita C. Rowan, who left us on June 5, 2026, at age 90 after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was surrounded by her loving family at her Montpelier home of 64 years. Her husband was a remarkable and compassionate caregiver. She had in-home support from Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, plus private and family support. The family is very appreciative of the care she received from Jessica Bailey, RN, Penny Peck, and Marla Edson.

Born in Middlebury, VT, the daughter and oldest child of the late Geraldine and George Many. She was raised in the Catholic faith. Her life was focused on her family. She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Donald C. Rowan; her four children, Ann and Brent Kern, D. Walker and Sarah Rowan, Matthew and Cathy Rowan, and Virginia and Rob Wheeler; twelve grandchildren, Alexander Kern, Brittany (James) Kern, Noah Rowan, Eleanor (Ellie) Rowan, Allegra and Bryan Adams, Cody and Jillian Lamare, Bethany Rowan, Amy Rowan, Erin Rowan, Rowan Wheeler, and Abbie Wheeler; and three great grandchildren, Killian Adams, Riley Adams, and Henri Lamare.

She graduated from Middlebury High School. She frequently walked to school from her family's dairy farm over three miles each way. She attended Albany Business College, earning an associate degree in Secretarial Finishing. Her employment history included the University of Vermont, National Life Insurance Company, and Vermont Tax Department. She continued to enjoy walking to her positions of employment. She volunteered as a Brownie leader for several years.

Mom was the sweetest, gentle soul with a heart of gold. She had a gift to make everyone feel loved, cared for, and important. She was a friend to all!

Beyond her warmth was her incredible work ethic. She led by example with dedication and integrity that was her character. She instilled these same strong work ethics and values in her children and they will be carried out from generation to generation. She was proud of her four children earning college degrees.

She was a gracious host and took such great care in all the details of family and friend visits. Rita supported her husband's career and accompanied him on many business trips throughout the USA and internationally.

Rita loved to quilt. She made a remarkable number of beautiful quilts for her family and friends. Rita will be remembered for her homemade blackberry pies and jams which she also shared with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Cemetery in Barre at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Berlin, VT, 05641-5369.

Arrangements are in the care of Kingston Funeral Home. To share online condolences, please visit www.vtfuneralhomes.com.