Rowena was born January 23, 1959, in Manila, Philippines to Jesus Ponce and Margarita Munoz Ponce.  Jesse and Meg brought their young family to the United States when Rowena was 11.  Upon her graduation from Brunswick High in 1977, she eagerly began her nursing career.  After a short time working in San Diego, Rowena returned to Brunswick, where she met and married Eric and raised her family.

Rowena was devoted to her nursing career and touched the lives of many people in Brunswick.  She was always ready to help in any way that she could.  The longevity of her career and the lifelong friendships she fostered are testaments to her commitment to the people and community she loved.

Ro truly enjoyed nothing more than an evening surrounded by her friends and family (and lumpia)shuffling Mahjong tiles, and planning the next big family meal.  She always held her friends close, and her family holds them close in her stead - thank you especially to Celia and Debbie.

Rowena is predeceased by her parents, young sister Isabelle, and younger brother Danny.

Rowena is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Eric; two children, Amanda and Alex, and their partners; sister Vicky; nieces Kirsten and Emily; her grandson Rowen, who will grow to know his Lola's love, even in her absence.

Funeral service will be held at St. Francis on Saturday December 6, at 2:30 p.m.  Reception to follow at the clubhouse in Grant's Ferry Cove.