PORT ST LUCIE – In what was an emotional, and sometimes humorous event, about 100 local business leaders and residents gathered together to reminisce about a woman they all knew and loved, Jane Rowley.
Rowley died in October and her memorial service was recently held at the Mid-Florida Event Center.
Maryanne Kehlenbach, retired minister, set the tone for the event during her opening remarks. “Jane was a no BS person. She would tell it like it is.”
Many speakers remembered Jane for her wit and her come-back retorts.
But she was also remembered for her compassionate and caring nature.
Doug Anderson, former St. Lucie County Administrator, remembered Jane fondly.
“Jane was a true friend to everyone,” he said. “She always remembered that my birthday was on Christmas Day. She knew so many people and yet she remembered your birthday.”
Terissa Aronson, President and CEO of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, honored Rowley at the event by showing a street sign titled, “Jane Ave.”
“Jane always self-proclaimed to be the original St. Lucie County street walker,” Aronson said. “She wasn’t really a street walker, but she was always in so many places in the community, that’s what she called herself.”
While the Chamber hands out a monthly and annual award named after Rowley, Aronson wanted to do more to honor her.
“My husband and I built this street sign. The ‘Jane Ave.’ sign will be displayed during our Networker of the Month awards at the Saints Pub.”
Former newspaper publisher and now communications director for the St Lucie EDC, Maureen Saltzer described Rowley’s spirited personality.
“Jane was so full of life, energy and sheer spunk. She made such a difference in so many aspects of our community, her ‘street-walking’ spirit will be with us for as long as the last of who knew her lives on.”
Rowley was also famous locally for her crab dip, a recipe she shared with no one.
“I tried so hard to get that recipe,” local businessman Jimmy Freitas said. “I tried for years, but I never got it.” But he also shared his love for her. “She was like my second mom.”
Rowley was well-known in the community for wearing many hats throughout the years.
She was a former florist, having previously owned The Flower Garden Gift Shop, a caterer, marketing and communications specialist, civic leader and former Port St. Lucie City Councilwoman.
Earlier this year she was honored at a roast and officially named “Queen of St. Lucie County.”
“Jane truly was a beloved child of God who understood what it was to love your neighbor,” Kehlenbach said. “Her position in life was to help foster a community of joy and love.”
Rowley died Oct. 25 at the age of 85. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Rowley, Sr., and is survived by a son, Gene Rowley, Jr.