Obituary of Marilyn Ryder Rowe

Marilyn Ryder Rowe, of Bedford, beloved bride, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt departed this world in the early morning of June 10, 2017.

Marilyn was a fantastic mother and grandmother. She was famous for her great comedic timing, sharp wit, whimsical charm, love of literature, great cooking, love for children and animals, and her huge sense of compassion and decency. Marilyn taught at Big Island Elementary School, Moneta Elementary School, Stewartsville Elementary School and was a foster care social worker and child protective social worker in Charlottesville, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida. She turned her love of great food, entertaining, and beauty into a business and was a co-founder of Piece o’ Cake Catering, with her sister and partner in crime, Barbara Murphy. 

She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband, best friend, and soulmate, Donald M. Rowe. She is also survived by her children, Giselle Annette Rowe, Emily Carol Rowe Sitzler, and David Matthew Rowe. Marilyn had three lovely granddaughters whom she loved and who loved her very much, namely Emily “Emma” Helen Victoria Rowe, Allison Rose Sitzler, and Scarlett Dragica Rowe. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Ryder Murphy, as well as her niece, Helen “Missy” Godfroy, and her nephews, Ward Murphy, and John Murphy.

There will be a gathering in remembrance of Marilyn’s life on Tuesday, June 13th at six o’ clock p.m. at the home of her sister, Barbara Murphy. There will be a service in celebration of Marilyn’s life at two o’ clock p.m. on Wednesday, June 14th at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bedford or to the Bedford Christian Ministries and The Shepherd’s Table.  

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.