Elizabeth R. Rowe

• 

Rowe, Elizabeth R. January 24, 1910 ~ August 11, 2009 This tribute by Ingrid Matson Wekerle "Photo - Lauren Lee" CARMEL VALLEY - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Rowe, longtime Carmel resident, died in her 100th year unexpectedly and peacefully on August 11, 2009 at Carmel Valley Manor. She had been at home there, in "The Buttercup House," since 1986. Noted on her calendar, as usual, were numerous future off-campus events. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 24, 1910, she was the youngest of three children and only daughter born to Mabel Wyer Rowe and John H. Rowe. Her husband, Julian Rowe, predeceased her in March, 1982. She and her husband were former residents of Peter Cooper Village in New York City, NY, Los Altos Hills, and Tierra Grande in Carmel Valley, CA. Mrs. Rowe graduated from Carleton College, Northfield, MN and pursued further studies at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, the New York School of Social Work, and New York University in New York City. A lifelong contributor to church affiliated associations, she was President of "Church Women United" in Los Altos, CA, and for 25 years, served as Deacon, Elder and Board Member of the Carmel Presbyterian Church. She later became a member of Church in the Forest under Rev. Dr. Harold Englund. Elizabeth Rowe had a long career as a social worker with Camp Fire Girls, Inc. In Minneapolis, Cleveland and Dayton, OH, and in New York City, NY. She became a member of the National Staff and served in the Program Department and as editor of the leader's magazine, The Guardian. As a mentor of many young people, she passed on her love of nature and gardening, books, music, theatre and all of the arts, as well as her wide travel experiences, which included Europe and Asia. Elizabeth Rowe was appointed National Director of U.S.O. Clubs in Lincoln, NE, Cloves, NM and El Centro, CA. Under her leadership these clubs became so popular that 2,000 men came through in a day. For her "Service to Humanity" the National Association of Group Workers in New York City honored her by making her a charter member. Elizabeth was a devout crusader on behalf of developing opportunities for all women. While still in New York City, she planned conferences for, and often came west to speak at the National YWCA's international conference center, Asilomar, in Pacific Grove, CA. This center, eventually sold to the State of California, was one of over 100 YWCA structures designed by the renowned architect Julia Morgan. Elizabeth Rowe and her friend, longtime Carmelite, Julia Minor, recognized the housing needs of women in the community. Together they became the original founders of the first YWCA of the Monterey Peninsula housed at Asilomar. They soon enlisted a number of friends who had led YWCA's throughout the country to join them in becoming "Founding Mothers" of the Monterey Y. The relentless work of these women led to innovations such as affordable housing for women, a program for battered women and children, and the legal passing of the "Restraining Order" in the State of California. Elizabeth served on the Board of the Lyceum, where she was instrumental in setting up experimental intergenerational programs. Since she was simultaneously on the Council of the Carmel Valley Manor, she invited interested members of the Manor to teach groups of young people in their areas of specialty. They led workshops and a wide variety of creative endeavors, which included woodworking, cooking, writing, the art of violin making, etc. Mrs. Rowe served as a bereavement counselor for the Hospice of the Central Coast, was a volunteer with the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Center, and worked with the military program of the Carmel Red Cross. As a charter member of the Aquarium, she became a guide during the first year of its operation. She is survived by stepchildren and grandchildren, including Mrs. Marjorie Kohler of Carmel Valley; a niece, Mrs. Susan Buswell of Ellicott City, Maryland; a nephew, Mr. William Rowe of Chicago, Illinois; great nieces and nephews; and close family friends, Dr. Ingrid Matson Wekerle of Carmel-by-the Sea and New York City and Mrs. Blema Wolin of San Francisco. "Betty" was deeply cherished and appreciated. Now, living in Eternity, our love goes with her. Visitation was held at Church in the Forest, Robert Lewis Stevenson School, 3152 Forest Lake Road, Pebble Beach, CA from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2009. A private inurnment will take place at a later time in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. In the new year there will be a birthday party program in celebration of Betty's 100th birthday. Elizabeth wished that memorial contributions be made to the YWCA of the Monterey Peninsula, P.O. Box 1249, Seaside, CA 93955 or to the Carmel Foundation, P.O. Box 1050, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921.

Published on September 20, 2009