Event Date : Wednesday, January 04, 1984
Event Type : Death
After a love that spanned more than seven decades, the Honorable Earl and Treva Rowe parted for the final time this past Saturday, as Mrs. Rowe, who died last Wednesday (Jan. 4), was buried in the Newton Robinson Cemetery. More than 100 people attended the funeral to pay their last respects to Mrs. Rowe, who celebrated her 89th birthday on Dec. 10. It was a sad parting, but not one of despair, as Mrs. Rowe had suffered several strokes during the past 18 months, and had been confined to her bed, under the care of nurses, for much of that time.
Treva Lennox was born in 1894, less than a mile from the home where she and Earl Rowe would spend their lives together. In an interview yesterday (Tuesday), the Hon. Earl Rowe said that he and his wife had lived on almost adjoining farms and had been "childhood friends." "We played together as children" he said. As they grew older their friendship grew into love and on June 27 1917 they were married at the Newton Robinson United Church. Treva Rowe was "very much a homebody" said her husband. "She'd rather be at home looking after her children and grandchildren that anywhere else." "She had a special passion for children - she was always very concerned about the welfare of young people and teenagers." The Rowes had three children: Bill Lennox and Jean, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. During her husband's long political career Treva Rowe made many friends throughout Ontario. Among those attending her funeral were: Ontario Solicitor-General George Taylor; Ron Stewart - MP Simcoe South; Tom Wells (representing Bill Davis) Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; Harold Graham former OPP Commisioner; and Ontario Lt. Governor John Black Aird. Federal Conservative Party leader Brian Mulroney sent flowers. Treva Rowe's hobbies included needlework of which she did a "tremendous amount" said Mr. Rowe and painting - animals wildlife scenery - that sort of thing."I'll have some beautiful memories around here" said Mr. Rowe of his wife's handiwork. "
