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PIANO TEACHERS FOR 56 YEARS, MRS. ROWE DIES
[Welland Tribune March 18, 1947]
Fonthill, March 18-Mrs. Grace Rowe, one of Fonthill’s older citizens passed quietly away early Sunday morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. F. Kinsman. Mrs. Rowe, who was in her 77th year, was the second oldest daughter of the late Dr. Jas O. Emmett and had made music her career through the efforts of her piano teaching, which covered a span of 56 years. Her cheery smile and kindly disposition endeared her to the hearts of many in this and the surrounding community.
It is a well known fact that she had many times taught piano to as many as three generations in the same family. Starting to play when she was five years old, she practised diligently and taught her first lesson at the age of 16. In 1886 this was no easy task as she had to driver her own horse and buggy to the homes of her various pupils. From 1889 she studied two years at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, and then continued her studies at the Toronto Conservatory, where she obtained her A.T.C.M. and L.T.C. M. She continued her teaching in this village and taught for five years at the Conservatory.
In 1906 she married Arthur Rowe of Cardiff, Wales, England, but sill carried on with her profession. In 1909 she returned to Fonthill. This was the year the new Baptist church was built and Mrs. Rowe lent her unceasing efforts to the organizing of the choir. She remained as church organist and choir leader for the next 21 years.
Mr. Rowe died in 1914 and Mrs. Rowe carried on her work of teaching until she reached her 72nd year.
More than 1000 pupils came under her capable guidance during her life.This monumental effort alone would make her one of the outstanding citizens of the community. She lived a fine Christian life giving her all to the work she loved.
Mrs. Rowe is survived by two sisters, Mrs. F. Kinsman and Mrs. K. Pitkin both residents of Fonthill.
The funeral is being held on Tuesday afternoon from the late residence with interment in Fonthill cemetery.
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