QUAYLE, Rowana- It is with hearts full of love and wonderful memories that the family of Rowana Quayle late of Birch Hills, wish to announce her passing on April 22, 2011. Rowana was born in Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland on February 26, 1924. She was the third child born to parents, James and Jane Brien. She received her schooling at Down High School where she participated in field hockey and tennis. Her first great love, however was music and she sang solos at many concerts, even entertaining the troops. Her piano lessons continued for several years, even during the war when she had to walk from one end of the town to the other- once even in a blackout! She was rewarded with a degree in pianoforte playing.
Rowana had hoped for a teaching career but the college was closed during the war. She was fortunate to qualify for a Government job as a telephonist and even assisted in the training of a few soldiers. Before the war ended, Rowana met the love of her life - Herbert Quayle. He also loved to sing and they occasionally sang duets at concerts. They were married in 1948, and their pride and joy, Ashley, arrived the following November.
A visit from her uncle, John Strain, persuaded them to come to Canada to farm. They sailed on the “Franconia” in 1951, using every conceivable mode of transportation and arrived in Birch Hills on April 12. A horse drawn wagon transported them to the farm in knee deep snow! Busy years followed on the farm, but life was brightened with the arrival of Valerie in 1952, followed by Adrian (full of smiles) in 1953. After a break, along came Rob in 1961, to be loved and spoiled by everyone! The following years were filled cooking, gardening, etcetera. When the nest was finally empty, she gave piano lessons to a few local children and occasionally joined Herbert on the golf course. Rowana also played the church organ for 40 years, a role she really loved.
Unfortunately, Herbert passed away in October 2006 and left a great void in her life. By this time, two great-grandsons had arrived and since then, two more have followed. This gave her a reason to knit, which she also really enjoyed.
Our loving and wonderful Mother was blessed with a very independent and active life up till the time of her illness, two months prior to her passing. Following a terminal illness diagnosis, her last week was spent at Birchview Nursing Home, encircled with family, professional love and exceptional care.
Rowana is survived by her four children: Ashley (Marilyn) Quayle, Valerie (Kenton McAuley) Quayle, Adrian (Debbie) Quayle, and Robert (Kathleen) Quayle; her grandchildren: Rowan (Josie) Brewster, Regan (Amanda) Quayle, Chet (Malinda) Brewster, Wes (Brooke) Quayle, Erin (Brett) Ewachow, Tim Quayle (Jim Mcquen), Stephanie McAuley (Chris LaFaver) and Katelyn Quayle; her great-grandsons: Barrett and Seth Quayle and Davis and Hudson Quayle; her sister Esther Skillen. Rowana was predeceased by her loving husband Herbert Quayle; her parents James and Jane Brien; her sister Lottie Harrower; and her brother George Brien.
Her loving family invite you all to celebrate her life at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. In lieu of other tributes, the family requests donations may be made to St. Mary’s Anglican Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s St. Anne’s Church, Birch Hills with Rev. Chris Harper officiating. Arrangements in care of Northern Funeral Service-Mackenzie Chapel, Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. (306) 763-8488 www.northernfuneralservice.ca
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