Rowena Coveney Foss, 64, died at her home in Somerville, MA, with her loving husband, family and friends by her side. Rowena, who was also affectionately known as Renie, Rowe, and most recently as the “Queen of Porter SQ” was born July 3, 1950 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, MA to Mary Rowena (Lowney) and James Coveney. She and her older brothers Jay and Paul grew up in Lexington where they celebrated many happy occasions with their extended family. Rowe graduated from Lexington High School in 1968 and then from Westbrook College in 1970. She furthered her education at Suffolk College.
On June 29, 1974, she married the love of her life, Stewart A. Foss of Winchester. They lived in apartments in Arlington and then moved to their home of 15 years in Fitchburg, MA. It was from there that Rowe embarked each business day on the commuter train to her job at Harvard University’s business school, where she worked for the majority of her 39+ years there. The train arrived and departed from Porter Sq., thus starting her love for the area. In 1998, she and Stew moved into their current home in Somerville.
Rowe dealt with many health issues; modeling for all what it was to have perseverance and courage. She was full of grace, style, humor and a loving spirit.
Over her lifetime Rowe demonstrated her love and devotion to her family and formed many friendships. She taught those around her the importance and the value of relationships. She knew how to be a friend, make friends, and most importantly keep those friendships fresh and wonderful right up until the very end. Her life exemplified how the love you give is equal to the love you get. She will be remembered and missed.
Rowe is predeceased by her mother; Rowena Coveney, her father Jim Coveney, and her brothers Paul and Jay.
She is survived by her husband Stewart, his daughter Jessica Foss of Norfolk, VA; brother-in-laws Barry McQuillin of Somerville, Brian McQuillin and his wife Nancy of North Reading; their children; Kelley, Molly & Riley, nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Fri., August 1st at 9AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church 155 Washington St., Winchester at 10AM. Interment is private. Visiting Hours will be held in the funeral home on Thurs., from 4-8PM. Donations in her memory may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 660843, Dallas, TX 75266-0843, Sponsoring Sharyn Eaton (her cousin), or to any charity of your choice.