Joyce (Wheeler) Rowland

Joyce Rowland, 80 of Leominster, passed away peacefully at her son’s home surrounded by loving family.

Born on August 2, 1943, in Leominster, she graduated from Leominster High School in 1961. She was the beloved daughter of William and Dorothy Wheeler of Leominster. She was a loving wife to Jack Rowland, (d 2011), sons Dr. Timothy Gallagher and his wife Colleen and their children Ansley and Kiley of Lexington, MA, Christopher Gallagher and his wife Stephanie and their children Rory and Shay of Westminster, MA. Stepson John Rowland and his wife Clare and their son Matthew of Westminster, MA, stepdaughter Jennifer Scott and her husband Patrick of Weare, NH and their children Erin, Eamon and Nolan and stepson Steven Rowland and his wife Jan of Leominster, MA.

Joyce was a member of St. Marks Church in Leominster, where she sang in the choir, she was a lassie league coach, taught Sunday School, Past President of Fitchburg Pop Warner and VP of the Insurance Women’s Association. For many decades she enjoyed working at ABM insurance as a claims specialist, making longtime friends over the years. She retired from ABM after 61 yrs. She also worked part time at her son’s physical medicine practice for 17 years where she met so many wonderful and kind patients. Her big smile, caring nature and optimistic spirit touched many lives.

Outside of work, she enjoyed spending the holidays with her family, going to the beach, and cheering on the grandchildren in all their sports. She loved animals, especially her beloved dog Miss Abby and cat Tippy.

May she rest in peace, knowing she was loved and cherished by all who knew her, and we are all better people because of her.

A funeral service for Joyce will be held on Friday, April 12th at 12 noon in the Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St. Leominster. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours in the funeral home will precede the funeral from 10am ~ 12noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: on the Dr. Joyce Liu (our mother loved her) Dana Farber website https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?team_id=9632&fr_id=1200&pg=team, contribute by check, please write "Dr. Liu’s Giving Page" in the memo line and make out to Giving Pages and mail to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development & The Jimmy Fund 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Fl. Brookline, MA 02445.In memory of Joyce Rowland. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

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