Nanette Bailey Rowley Obituary (1942

On October 21, 2011, our dear wife and best friend, mother, grandmother, and sister, left this mortal existence upon which she shined her light of loving compassion and endless joy and happiness, succumbing to complications following routine surgery. Nan was born in Brigham City in 1942 and was soon transplanted to the Bay Area in California where she graduated from high school. She finally convinced her father to allow her to go off to college, but Brigham Young University was the only school he would allow her to attend. That decision was pivotal for her husband, Howard, as he was fortunate enough to find Nan in her first quarter as a freshman. The rest is history, as Nan and Howard enjoyed life together in Provo, raising three wonderful children, enjoying the outdoors by camping, fishing, skiing; and, of course, traveling. Many trips, as a family, to ski resorts, Lake Powell, Tahoe, Montana, and all around the West, were so enjoyable. And, as the children grew, Nan and Howard branched out to travel to Hawaii, Mexico, Scandinavia and Europe; enjoying multiple trips to Paris, Provence, and Tuscany. A loving wife and best friend, Nan shared with Howard the love of music, art, good food, and adventure. As a mother, Nan excelled by teaching her children to appreciate nature, music, and knowledge; and to always have a positive outlook and a good sense of humor in all things. Nan was an accomplished violinist and played with the Utah Valley Symphony for over forty years. She was also an accomplished artist with several cherished paintings hanging in her home. Nan was the consummate social person, enjoying her association with members of the Riverside Country Club; and meeting with the "Coffee Girls" twice a week, and with the "Birthday Group" any time anyone came up with a good reason. She has many friends who all share some very special memories of Nan, her sense of humor, her grace, and her way with fashion. Nan was extremely style-conscious and always looked her best, whether it was on a beach in the South of France, or at the coffee meeting outside of Nordstrom's at the Mall. Nan was as beautiful inside as she was out, and everyone she met soon understood what a wonderful person she was. She always talked lovingly of her friends and how they and their families were doing. Nan took a genuine interest in her family and friends, and was always ready to share current or new information, which she always seemed to have ready at any moment. Nan walked in sunshine and always wore a smile. Her infectious laugh and manner brought life and joy to any occasion. She was gourmet cook, a gracious hostess, and an imaginative decorator. Her home reflects her eclectic and highly stylish tastes. Nan was preceded in death by her sweet daughter, Alexis, and her brother Michael (Jane); she is survived by her husband, Howard, and her sons; Dale (Sara), and Tyler (Debbie); seven grandchildren; and her brother, David (Becky). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 in the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo. Friends may call at the mortuary on Sunday evening from 6 until 8 and on Monday one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Timpanogos Memorial Gardens, Orem. Condolences may be sent through www.bergmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, Nanny, as we called her, would appreciate donations being made, in her name, at Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org).