In Memoriam: Joyce (Wheeler) Rowland, 1943-2024
A Former Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women
Joyce Rowland, 80 of Leominster, passed away peacefully at her son’s home surrounded by loving family.
Born on August 2, 1943, in Leominster, she graduated from Leominster High School in 1961. She was the beloved daughter of William and Dorothy Wheeler of Leominster. She was a loving wife to Jack Rowland, (d 2011), sons Dr. Timothy Gallagher and his wife Colleen and their children Ansley and Kiley of Lexington, MA, Christopher Gallagher and his wife Stephanie and their children Rory and Shay of Westminster, MA. Stepson John Rowland and his wife Clare and their son Matthew of Westminster, MA, stepdaughter Jennifer Scott and her husband Patrick of Weare, NH and their children Erin, Eamon and Nolan and stepson Steven Rowland and his wife Jan of Leominster, MA.
Joyce was a member of St. Marks Church in Leominster, where she sang in the choir, she was a lassie league coach, taught Sunday School, Past President of Fitchburg Pop Warner and VP of the Insurance Women’s Association. For many decades she enjoyed working at ABM insurance (Anderson, Bagley & Mayo Insurance Agency) as a claims specialist, making longtime friends over the years. She retired from ABM after 61 yrs. She also worked part time at her son’s physical medicine practice for 17 years where she met so many wonderful and kind patients. Her big smile, caring nature and optimistic spirit touched many lives.
Outside of work, she enjoyed spending the holidays with her family, going to the beach, and cheering on the grandchildren in all their sports. She loved animals, especially her beloved dog Miss Abby and cat Tippy.
May she rest in peace, knowing she was loved and cherished by all who knew her, and we are all better people because of her.
Funeral Information and online condolences can be left on Mrs. Rowland’s obituary page on the Richardson Funeral Home website.
