Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKLAND - Marcia Phinney Rowling, 89, widow of Charles H. 'Red' Rowling, II, passed away at home June 27, 2009, after several years of declining health.
Born in Wilton, November 5, 1919, she was the daughter of Guy Leslie and Ruth North Phinney. She was a direct descendent of John and Priscilla Mullins Alden and had other Mayflower lines.
In Marcia's youth the Phinneys lived at Lincolnville Beach where her father worked on both the Ducktrap Bridge and the first ferry terminal for Islesboro. When she was in high school, Marcia's family moved back to Wilton. She preferred to stay and graduate with her class of 1937 at Camden High School. She did so, on her own, by working for her room and board.
After preparing for nursing school, Marcia instead married her sweetheart, Charles Rowling, Jr., who was from Islesboro. They were married in Wilton, June 4, 1939. The couple resided on Islesboro for a time before moving to the mainland. They never lived away from the sight, smell, and sound of Penobscot Bay. Three children were born to them: Charles, Ruthie and Roger. Marcia grew up during the Great Depression and bore her children during World War II.
While raising her family, Marcia worked at the former Bonnar-Vawter Printing in Rockland, and Camden Community Hospital. She enjoyed a multitude of good friends with co-workers, and especially with neighbors and her gang of jolly buddies from women's bowling leagues.
Marcia was known for her great good humor and her ringing laughter. She was kind-hearted and spent her life helping other people, especially the elderly. She was the consummate mother, kept an immaculate house, was a fabulous cook, and truly special human being. She could pick up the spare on the seven pin. Her voice soared like that of an angel and she often sang harmony. She was 'in harmony' with all she knew. Marcia disliked strife and anger and was known as a true peacemaker. A wonderful hostess, with her husband, she often had gangs of friends in, during which time close ties, deep loyalty and booming laughter filled the rooms.
Other than her husband Charles in 1988, Marcia was predeceased by a grandson, Michael John Rowling. She is survived by two sons, C. H. (Charlie) Rowling, III of Rockport, Roger E. Rowling, Sr. and his wife Linda of Ash Point at Owls Head; her daughter, Ruth Rowling Maxfield and her husband Bert 'Red' of Warren; her brother, Everett L. Phinney and his wife Polly of Concord, CA; and her sister, Diane Durrell and her husband Bob of Jay.
Additionally "Grammie Marcia" is survived by grandchildren, Bonnie Bippes, Marcia Crippen, Wendy Caldwell, Craig Rowling, Trina Kelly, Roger Rowling, Jr., Lisa Heal, Glen Rowling; great-grandchildren, Travis & Jenn Heal, Kayla & Ashlynn Rowling, Erika, Paige & Fiona Kelly, Conner Bippes , and Christopher & Cassandra Crippen; as well as one aunt, several nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., this (Tuesday) evening, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The Reverend Ralph Miller will officiate. A reception will follow at the funeral home's 104 Limerock Street, reception facility. Private interment will be in the family lot at Achorn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 or Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care & Hospice, 170 Pleasant Street, Rockland, ME 04841.