Sad news concerning Rowie/Rowena
 

Hi guys, I have permission from her family to post this update. Rowie's (can't remember her screen names) daughter contacted me a couple of weeks ago, if anyone wants to send messages etc I'm happy to pass them on - here is her message:


Hi all, I hope you’re all well.
I hope it’s okay for me to message you from this group my mum (Rowena) made in 2012! I was about to post something to her Facebook, but that may be too public for her liking. And I’m guessing you were all close to mum at one time for her to send you her phone number ����

Mum has had a very tough year this year, and has unfortunately been diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 57. She is moving into a lovely care home in Colchester on Tuesday, and while we can’t visit her at the moment due to COVID restrictions, they are allowing Skype calls and are allowing me to drop things of to her. I’d love to make her a memory book full of photos and memories if you have any. I understand that this Facebook group was made a long time ago and you probably haven’t had any contact with her in a while, but it’s worth a shot! ☺️ please let me know if you’d like to send any photos you may have, or pass on a message to her etc. Or if you are aware of anyone mum was close to who aren’t in this group, please let me know. If you’d like to message me privately, that’s fine too!

Was her username ~Grace~? If so I do remember her and I'm really sorry to hear about this. It sounds like her family is trying to help and being good to her though so that is important. <3

Hi yes she was ~Grace~ but not sure what else she was known as. Its sad but makes sense in some ways.

Oh my beautiful Rowie! I just thought of you the other day. I’m so sorry to hear this but I’m glad the home is nice. You were such a source of comfort and love despite your own struggles and you’ve been greatly missed on this support board! Sending love to a true fighter, beautiful inside and out xx

Thank you for posting this Mandy. Hope you and the girls are doing well :-). I’ll let Kelli and Rachel know too x

Hi

We are ok thanks, little one is moving to secondary school in September so transition stuff happening now.

I've let Rachel (keithsmommy/apple) know as we are still in contact.

Thanks Mand, I can’t believe she (C?) is so old! Yeah Rach replied and said you’d told her. I told Romp/Kelli too. Wasn’t sure whether to message on the fb or not cos she’s not used it regularly for a while that I can see (we are fb friends) x

I passed your message on to Rowie's daughter.

C is the eldest in Yr 8! I can't believe I'll have a teenager in a few months. Sge has the attitude, spots and BO to remind me though!

How is Rowie doing? I hope she is settling in ok. Thoughts are with her and her daughter and family x

Hello, I haven’t been on here for 15 years, and have been thinking a lot about Rowie recently, I posted on a FB group looking for her, and then came back here and saw your sad news. I hope she is safe and sound and doing ok in her new home. We used to email a lot and she saw me through some very dark difficult times, she was a shining light for me and I hope I helped her a wee bit too. I’m not sure if she would remember me at all, but she saved my life, and I’m happy for you to let her know that. Please give her all my love, Miriam / Bluecherry

Hi, no news from her daughter I think she just wanted to let people know initially. If she sends any updates I'll let you know.

I’ve not been on here for years but used to spend an awful lot of time chatting with Rowie. If you’re still in touch, please pass on my love and best wishes.

Chrissy x

I know the original post was made a long time ago, but what sad news. I used to meet Rowie and go and do photography with her. I’m so saddened to hear that she’s become so unwell. I wonder how she is now.

I was just thinking about both Rach and Rowie last night. I miss them both. Any updates on Rowie Mandi?

I have an update. I’ve asked if I can update publicly and not received a response. So Mandi, Pomegranate, and anyone else, if you want to message me, I can share it there.

Hey Dash, I don't know if you mean that you've not received a response from her family about updating publicly or from the moderators. If the latter, feel free to send me a PM. If not, apologies for intruding.

Families. I didn’t even consider I was supposed to check with mods first?

I just wanted to respect the family but also let her friends know- those who wanted to know. Which is a fine balance. And posting to inform an update and being willing to do that privately felt like an appropriate option, given the circumstances.

Thanks for clarifying, that makes total sense, just wanted to check we hadn’t missed something. And dw, it sounds like you’re being appropriately sensitive to everyone’s needs.

(Also sorry would have this conversation privately but you have PMs turned off)

Oh! I didn’t know that. That’s not going to help with inviting people to PM me. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll see if I can work out how to turn them on.

Thank you. They are on now.