Allison Rowell

Born December 2, 1935 and peacefully leaving us on March 15, 2023 was the extraordinary person we knew and loved, M. Allison Rowell.

She liked to remind people that “you know I am a butcher’s daughter,” her family being known as farmers with her father having operated a grocery store on Mitton Street, where people came for miles around to purchase his cuts of meat. An only child, she was beloved by her parents, and spent many an hour working alongside her father in their store.

While still in her teens, tragedy took hold. Dad died far too young.

Allison spoke of how she and Mother took a long hard look at their situation. Allison turned away from leaving home to earn a university law degree, instead focused her efforts on the team-duo of Allison and Mum—who having just moved to Savoy Street, decided that they were going to make the best of the next chapter of their lives. And they did, together.

Just out of high school, Allison entered the work force and was soon respected for her keen, sharp intelligence, attention to detail and no-nonsense attitude, and built an extraordinary trail blazing career rising to top administrative levels at both DOW and Polysar.

A trained soprano and pianist, she sang in many choirs, and was offered options to perform in Detroit and New York, but instead chose to entertain audiences closer to home. Enjoying performing throughout Sarnia and Southwest Ontario with her group of “gal singers,’’ in addition, she played music for many congregations, among them St. Paul’s Church.

She loved to travel, especially to Egypt, Russia and Arizona. Cats. Kindness. Garden. Roses. She celebrated the return each spring of Dad’s tulips planted before he died, “see life goes on,” she’d say.  Enjoyed the challenge of a good debate. Accurate and logical, always keen to discuss any topic—one had better be prepared with their facts straight, or they would soon realize the depth and breadth of her knowledge. Any one who entered an intellectual or political discussion with her soon learned that Allison, who was a voracious multi-topic reader, was also an engaged current news affairs watcher, and she could, with ease, swipe and shred any voiced opinion that could not equal her intellectual prowess.

Allison wrote the school theme song for SCITS, was on the boards of both the Lambton County Music Festival, and for the ISO. Allison was a dear friend to many including, but not limited to Anne Brown, Penny Wilson, Drew Caldwell and Andrew King, Scott Armstrong, and extended family, Scott Penhale and his sister Lori, Alicia, and Heather and Andrew Lister.

The sorrow that we all feel at this time is so deep, it seems to have no bottom. But when we  eventually dry our eyes, all will recognize just how incredibly fortunate we have been to have known Allison. A treasured friendship measured beyond wealth. She will be missed.

Allison, indeed, your ‘life did go on’, until now, it has finished. And you, our dear friend you finished first in your own distinct class. Dear one, we say goodbye.

A funeral service will be held at the D.J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd. (102 Victoria Street, North, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9) on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 12:00 o’clock noon with interment to follow in the family plot at Wyoming Cemetery (524 Isabella St, Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0), with visitation at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 o’clock noon. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humane Society www.sarniahumanesociety.com. Memories, messages of condolence or photographs may be shared through  www.djrobb.on.ca