Obituary of Sylvia Theresa (Comeau) Rowe

Sylvia Theresa (Comeau) Rowe, age 73, of Peabody, passed away unexpectedly at her home with her family by her side on Friday, December 28, 2012 following a brief illness. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Sylvia was a kind, thoughtful, and loving woman who touched the lives and hearts of all who knew her. She lived a life of love and faith through her gentle example, quiet strength, and selfless spirit. Sylvia loved caring for and spending time with her family and friends. She was active, organized, and busy with many interests. She possessed a cheery sense of humor, often could be heard humming around the house, and always viewed life from a positive bright perspective. Sylvia was a wonderful cook and homemaker, an avid reader, as well as a fan of crossword puzzles. She loved caring for and spending time with her granddaughter, Cara. They loved cooking, playing games, reading, swimming, and just being together. Sylvia also delighted in preparing and attending traditional British afternoon teas – a favorite pastime that she enjoyed sharing with her family and friends, fondly known as “The Teacups”. Sylvia also was an active parishioner of St. James Parish in Salem for 46 years where she volunteered in many capacities and enjoyed all aspects of parish life. Sylvia was born in Lynn, MA on April 8, 1939 to the late Walter and Theresa (Carter) Comeau. She resided in Lynn, and married in 1964. In 1966, she and her husband moved to Salem where they lived until 1995. Since 1996, she and her husband have been residents of Peabody. Sylvia was an honors graduate of St. Jean the Baptist High School, Class of 1957. She worked as an administrative assistant at Electric Mutual Insurance Company in Lynn until 1967. During the 1970’s, Sylvia was an active volunteer in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School in Salem in which she also served as President. From 1985 to 1994, Sylvia worked as an administrative assistant at Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company in Salem. She then was employed as a business manager at Harbor Medical Associates in Marblehead from 1994 to 1999. Sylvia was the loving wife of John Francis Rowe of Peabody with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. She also was the beloved mother of Cynthia Theresa (Rowe) Olendzenski and beloved grandmother of Cara Theresa Olendzenski, both of Peabody. Sylvia also is survived by her son-in-law, Richard Neil Olendzenski, of Peabody, as well as many friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. James Church, Federal St., Salem to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in CedarGroveCemetery, Peabody.