Read Laura Jane Rowley's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Laura Jane Rowley

Seattle, WA, USA

May 10, 1964 - December 16, 2018

May 10, 1964 - Dec 16, 2018

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Seattle Brain Cancer Walk/Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at Swedish Medical Center.

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Laura Rowley died peacefully at home on December 16, 2018 after surviving 30 months with glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Laura was born in East Patchogue, NY, and grew up in the hamlet of Brookhaven, NY. Her passions during her youth included music, cycling, and exploring the rich ecology of coastal Long Island.

She received a B.A. in Russian Literature from Carleton College in 1986. After graduation, Laura traveled throughout India before working as an interpreter on Soviet factory ships that processed fish in the Bering Sea. She lived in Moscow during the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Seattle became Laura’s home in 1993, where she began a career in workforce development. Her most recent employment, with Seattle Jobs Initiative, took her across the country, where she helped develop and implement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and Employment & Training programs.

Laura was a person who enjoyed everything that life offered. She traveled extensively and loved being outdoors. It was not unusual for Laura to return from a day's outing smelling of tidal mud, with shoes full of sand or seaweed. She delighted in bringing people together for dinner parties and spontaneous potluck meals, and was an enthusiastic gardener. Laura especially enjoyed the diversity of places to walk in Seattle and made time to explore its parks, beaches and neighborhoods with friends. She could always be counted on to say “yes” to any adventure big or small, with a twinkle in her eye.

Laura maintained strong friendships from childhood through adulthood. These bonds were particularly evident by the number of people who surrounded her with love during her illness. She met every challenge throughout her life with a sense of humor and a constant smile.

Laura is survived by her two children, Gregory, age 22 and Isabella, age 18. She is also survived by two brothers: Karl of Lima, Peru and Steve of Kendall Park, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk to support the groundbreaking work done at the Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at Swedish Medical Center.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Seattle Brain Cancer Walk/Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at Swedish Medical Center.

Learn more & give