Preparing an obituary for your mom is something no one is prepared for and really, should not have to do until they’re old and gray. Unfortunately, it is with great sadness to announce that this time has come earlier than expected for our family.

Connie Lee Rowland, age 48, passed away suddenly and peacefully at 12:30 am Christmas morning at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, surrounded by a room full of family and friends who loved and cherished her. 

Connie is survived by her husband, Charlie Rowland, her two children, Tara and Devin Rowland, her parents Debra and John Posey, her brother John Posey, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Our mom was a graduate from McKinleyville High School, class of 1989 and continued on to graduate from College of the Redwoods with her RDA license. She took admiral pride in her work, however, if you asked her, she would say her favorite job of all was being a mother. I might be slightly biased, but many people would agree when I say that she was the best mother anyone could ask for. Very often the house was packed with friends and family enjoying one of the many meals she loved to prepare. Many people considered our house to be their second home, and many people also considered her to be their second mom. I can only hope to be half the mother she was. 

In her free time, our mom loved to scrapbook all of our life events so we would have the memories forever, something we’ll always cherish. She also loved to travel, her particular favorite style of traveling was to cruise, especially with family and friends. Her preferred place to visit was Hawaii, she and my dad would always entertain the idea of moving there one day. Some of her favorite things included attending Devin’s track meets, hosting dinners at the house, reading all of her favorite books, spending time basking in the sun at the lake, and watching her favorite teams (San Francisco Giants, Denver Broncos, and the Golden State Warriors). You would rarely see my mom sitting down, but when she was, she would be sitting in her favorite recliner either rooting for one of her favorite teams, watching her cooking shows, or trying to catch up on the bachelor to prep for our bachelor Mondays.

A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 12 from 1-4 p.m. at Merryman’s Beach House. The dress attire will be casual but feel free to rock any sportswear you may have from one of my mom’s favorite teams or of course, Winnie the Pooh, either would have her smiling. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eleanor Sullivan Scholarship Fund (see details below*). 

Our entire family would like to thank the hospital staff at St. Joseph Hospital for their professionalism and sensitivity during this very difficult time. We will love you forever, Mom. 

*To contribute to the Eleanor Sullivan Scholarship Fund please make checks payable to ‘Panther Partners – Eleanor Sullivan Scholarship Fund.’  Letters containing the checks can be sent out to Rene Campbell at 2574 Rita Ave, McKinleyville, CA, 95519. 

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Connie Rowland’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.