Ledyard - Marion R. (Mills) Rowe, 92, died at her home on Aug. 9, 2008.

She was born June 30, 1916, in Lowell, Mass. She was the daughter of the late Freeman and Celina (LaFlamme) Mills. Marion married her late husband, Francis B. Rowe, on Sept. 28, 1941, at St. Joseph's Church in Newark, N.J., where they raised their family of two boys and two girls for many years. After Frank's death in 1977, Marion continued to work and live in Caldwell until she retired and moved to Lowell, Mass., to live with her late sister, Loretta McNulty. She moved to Gales Ferry in the late 1980s. Marion spent most of her time making crafts. She never missed an opportunity to support her family and so many worthy causes with her handiwork. Whether it be items for newborns, the Ledyard Senior Center, or community and church bazaars, she would always be working on a deadline for another project. Last year she hand-crocheted 50 lap robes for members, staff and volunteers of the Southeastern Connecticut Center of the Blind, given at the annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Ledyard Lions.

Marion is survived by two daughters and a son, Marion and her husband, Raymond Ventolo of Hampton, N.J.; Bernadette and her husband, Richard Stypula of Plant City Fla.; and her son, Frank and his wife Laura, of Gales Ferry. She had seven grandchildren, and was known by “Grandma Bubbles” or the “Cookie Monster” by many of her 12 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased last year by her son, Thomas Brady, who had lived in Madison Township, N.J., with his wife, Arlane.

She was greatly admired and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Her strong independent spirit was an inspiration. She was a wonderful mother, and grandmother and will be in our hearts forever.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Burial will be in the Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marion's memory to Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut or the Road to Recover, American Cancer Society, Route 32, Franklin, CT. Those who are able are encouraged to become volunteer drivers.

Please visit the online memorial at www.mem.com.

The Church and Allen Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.

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