1929-2024
Wrapped in the love of her family, Jennie peacefully departed to join Elmer and dance among the stars.
Jennie leaves behind a devoted family: Kathy & Jim Lewis, Bob Rowe & Colleen Elliott, Jim & Jackie Rowe, Lori & Brent Clarke, Jeff & Rose Rowe, and Dale Livingston, along with 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Jennie’s life was defined by her ambition, compassion, and boundless love for others. Her proudest chapter was spent at the SHDHS cafeteria, where she served four generations of families. Students flocked to her kitchen for freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and, most importantly, the chance to chat with Jennie. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether they came for a laugh, advice, or simply to enjoy her cheerful presence. For those who were seeking solace, Jennie became a trusted mentor and a mother figure, offering encouragement and helping them find confidence and purpose.
Jennie had a rare gift for leaving a lasting impression. Through heartfelt conversations, lighthearted jokes, or wise advice, she made people feel valued and understood. Even after retiring at 85, her declining health could not dim her vibrant spirit or stop her from sharing “Jennie’s magic” with everyone around her.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at Bluewater Rest Home for the loving care they provided Jennie. To her friends who kept in touch, your visits, calls, and cards brightened her days and warmed her heart. She was so grateful for all of you.
As the family reflects and takes time to grieve, they invite you to join them in celebrating Jennie’s remarkable life. A Celebration of Life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 1 to 4 PM, with words beginning at 2 PM. The timing allows the family the opportunity to prepare a meaningful gathering and ensure everyone has a chance to come together to celebrate her legacy.
To honour Jennie’s passion for food and helping others, donations to the Huron County Food Bank or the Rural Response for Healthy Children – Christmas Bureau in her memory would be greatly appreciated.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Darlene Porter
To Jennie’s family deepest sympathy in your loss. Memories of Jennie at SHDHS was like the school Mom baking and cooking with a great big smile may you cherish her kindness.
Gwen Bestard
Your Dear mother and grandmother certainly displayed all of the loving, special and unique qualities you have cited in this obituary. I applaud the family for taking the time they need to come together and process the loss of your amazing mother and matriarch. My sincerest, heartfelt sympathies to each and every one of you as you move through this difficult journey.
deb and Steve Consitt
Jodi and Darren and Family
Lisa and Derrick and Family
Thinking of all of you at this time and the days to come. She was one of the best SHDHS cookie maker and cafeteria lady! ❤️❤️
Deb and Steve Consitt and Family
Tracy McLennan
To the Rowe family,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother/grandmother, Jennie. I had the pleasure of knowing her/working with her from her time at SHDHS. Her food was amazing and I know that I can speak for staff and students…her chocolate chip cookies were simply the best! Thinking of her retirement and the send off from South Huron is one of my favourite memories of her. She left the school in style (in a limosine). She was kind, generous, and she had a wicked sense of humour. May the many wonderful memories of her bring you peace as you deal with the days ahead.
Tracy McLennan
Cindy
Sincere condolences to Jennie’s family. She had such a dynamic presence, and she will always be an important part of Exeter’s history, as well as a special person in my life. I can’t think of any time when she wasn’t upbeat, sharing jokes and the best advice.
Rest in Peace, Jennie. ❤️
Shirley & Ross Rowe
Dear Aunt Jennie’s Family – our heartfelt condolences to all.
May you find comfort in knowing that because of her working life with so many friends, your grief is shared by them all. She touched so many lives in a very positive way with her engaging personality.
Rest in peace Aunt Jennie.
Hugs – Ross, Shirley, Laura & Family.
Danny Shoebottom
It has been almost 55 years since moving on with life beyond SHDHS but I remember Jennie as always having a big smile, greeting us by name while serving the lunch. I think she knew every student better the most teachers. May God’s blessing and comforting hand be with Jennies family in the celebration of her life.
Danny “Shoe”
Julie Groot
What a beautiful soul Jennie was. Condolences to all the family. So sorry for your loss. Jerry and Julie Groot
Gabbie and Margaret Mol
Our sincere condolences with Geneva passing
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Kathy Bob Jim Lori and Jeff and families
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mom & Grandma .
Such a special Aunt she was….we will miss her .
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Hugs ❤️
Cy & Eleanor
Robert Meyers
My condolences to all family and friends of Jennie’s. I was very close to Jennie. I use to work in the Cafeteria, Arena Concession Booth & at her home doing many jobs. I use to call her a few times at the Rest Home and talk forever. Jennie always told me. Hey!!! I still Owe You Money… For the jobs you did for me. I’m like I’m alright. Your fine Jennie. You had homecooked meals for lunch in the cafeteria at the highschool. You could smell the fresh hot food and fresh baked cookies all throughout the hallways of the highschool. Always lots of smiles and candies in the cafeteria. Elmer, Missy, The Farm, Her Family. South Huron District High School Family Cafeteria. (Bill). Was the first things Jennie always talked about. C ROWE GO. I Think her license plate was C ROW GO. Jennie was amazing caring loving lady. Jennie Always put everyone before herself or anyone else. I’m very proud to have known Jennie and worked for her and known her family. Jennie would help any students in need. Jennie loved and had great sense of humor, Jennie could talk to for days. Elmer & Jennie helped me bring home a brand new tv for my parents from Sears one day from school. My mom yelled at me. What are you doing home so early and how. I’m like I’m dropping off something, by. Gotta go with Jennie. I worked a few different weddings Jennie catered too as well. I remember a time when Jennie and I was in Exeter at a local Restaurant. After her retirement. She said. She wanted her Back facing the people. Because She knew everyone. And wanted her own time and space. After her retirement I would still help around Jennie’s house. Many trips Jennie and I had going to Costco. Citizen Of The Year Award was given to Jennie Rowe from MPP Lisa Thompson 2016. My condolences to all family and friends of Jennie Rowe’s.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Kathy Thomas
Our thoughts are with you all! Jennie was a lovely person & made Bill very happy in the last years of his life. We enjoyed having them both in our home in Vancouver to meet Bill’s great granddaughter & get to know Jennie!
Our deepest sympathies to everyone! She was a special person!!
Kathy & Scott Thomas & family
Hillman family
Our deepest sympathy. Jennie was the reason many students stayed in school. Her wise, warm, compassionate, heart warming personality made a difference to a lot of people. RIP Jennie.
Rose & Rob Rathwell
Our condolences to all the family. There are many memories of Jenny from the Canners cafeteria. She will be greatly missed.
Andrea & Craig Alexander
To All of Jennie’s Family
Sincere Condolences on the passing of such a special lady and family friend. I will hold all my memories close and hope yours help carry you through the days ahead. Heaven surely has gained another amazing Angel.
~ Andrea & Craig Alexander ~
Jason Van Haarlem
To Jennie’s entire family,
Please accept our condolences on Jennie’s passing. Cherish the memories.
Jason and Collette Van Haarlem
Tina Riley
To all of Jennie’s family
I am so sad to hear of her passing. I have lots of memories of seeing her in the SHDHS cafeteria. She was one of a kind with a beautiful soul. Thinking of all you and sending prayers to all of you.
Tina Riley-Ankers
Linda & Peter Tgahrt
Many a person had a good feast when Jennie ran the cafeteria at the “Canners”. She had a hell of a ride, and we are happy to have know her. The world will not be the same without her. Sleep well.
Maureen Wood
Jennie’s Family:
My Sincere Condolences on your loss of a Great Lady, I always loved chatting to her & what a Happy gal she was, She Catered too both of my Children’s Wedding, & You all know How good it was,
Jennie you will be missed & Rest in Peace , you deserve it.
Bonnie and Gary Lawrence
Sending our deepest sympathy and hugs to the family for your loss of mom and Grandma and friend of many. She was a great person.
Seen her at The GARLIC BOX many times.
Patty Masnica
My deepest sympathies to your family, she will be missed by many ❤️
Janice Regier
Kathy, Bob, Jim, Lori, Jeff and Dale and families.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. She was a wonderful person, boss and friend. Many fond memories of our time spent together. Rest in Peace Jennie. Love Janice.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To all of the Rowe family and friends
We were blessed to know Jennie. The Rowe family has been part of my family history, she was my dad’s first employee, and of my aviation’s family with Sexsmith Pilots.
So many great memories to reflect on, hope your memories bring you comfort in the future. Our condolences to all.
Audrey Dakin
Kathy, Bob, Jim, Lori & Jeff; our sincerest condolences to the passing your dear mother Jennie. I loved working for her as a teenager. I think I worked for her everywhere, including babysitting the grandchildren. She taught me how to work hard, but have fun while you’re at it. So many great memories. Jennie & Elmer were terrific friends of my Mom and Dad, Wilmer & Grace Adkins. I know you shared her with so many people, but she was just that special. Audrey (Adkins), Peter, Lauren (Jamieson) and Gregory Dakin.