Margaret Rowe

Margaret Rowe, 74, passed away at home surrounded by her husband and three children on November 12, 2022. She was born in Rosemont, Iowa on December 16, 1947, the daughter of Walter and Leona Wadle.

Margaret started her education at St. Anthony’s, moved to St. Joseph’s Academy and then graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966. She obtained her nursing degree from Des Moines School of Practical Nursing. Margaret completed a Pharmacology class through Des Moines General Hospital and in 1987 she studied introduction to computers through DMACC.

During her career Margaret worked as a Pediatric Floor Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, a Medication and Treatment Nurse on the medical surgical floor at Des Moines General Hospital, a Charge Nurse being responsible for 40-50 patients at Americana Nursing Center in Des Moines, and later moved to working as an LPN in oncology at Mercy Hospital. She was also a part-time Avon Representative for several years. After leaving the medical field, Margaret was blessed to run in home child care, eventually working for Cowles Childcare Center through the Des Moines Public Schools where she eventually retired. She remained in contact with numerous children and their families that she cared for when they were younger and had a special place in her heart for those she was blessed to care for with special needs.

Margaret was a wonderful caregiver and took on this role at a young age as she was the oldest of five children and helped raise her younger siblings. She was compassionate, gracious, had a heart of gold, and a strong desire in her heart to serve others and ensure they are happy, healthy and succeeding; even up ‘til the end she was continually thanking her family, friends and medical staff for their loving care. Margaret always worried about others and making sure they were okay above her needs.

She had a very strong faith and loved serving the Lord. She was faithfully involved with CEW, Right to Life, Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of America, and taught religious education classes. In her younger years she loved playing the accordion, raising chickens and traveling. She will be remembered for her sweet smile and contagious laugh.

Margaret also loved baking and cooking, especially with her grandchildren. She enjoyed her flowers and gardening, and always looked forward to writing her annual Christmas letters; and you were very fortunate if you received a special note of love from her whether it was because you were sick, needing a little encouragement or just a reminder she loved you.

You could always find her with her camera in hand as she loved snapping pictures for special memories she cherished; she loved surprising each of her grandchildren with a unique scrapbook she created especially for them as a special gift.
She was her grandchildren’s #1 fan and biggest supporter in all that they did, whether it be at their sporting events or school functions –she was extremely proud of each and every one of them and busted her buttons at how amazing they were.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, George Rowe; daughter, Julie (Chris) Vitek and their children, Connor and Jenna; daughter, Annette (Dan) Dove and their children, Ellie and Audrey; son, Jim (Anna) Rowe and their children, Hunter, Justice, Grace and Lilly; sisters, Shirley (Bill) Way, Sue Wadle, Dianna Wadle and Cindy Fluke. She was preceded in death by her parents; Walter and Leona Wadle; two infant siblings; and her brothers-in-law, Larry Venenga and Dennis Fluke.

Services will be at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave S, Altoona. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., on Thursday, November 17, 2022, with a 7 p.m. Rosary. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022. She will be laid to rest at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mary’s Meals, On With Life, Care Initiatives Hospice or InnerVisions Healthcare, in loving memory of Margaret.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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