Catherine Rowena Fortin

Catherine ‘Rowena’ Fortin passed away August 13, 2024. The daughter of the late Joseph ‘Emery’ and Irene Gauthier, she was born May 14, 1930, in Bay City, MI. She was the last surviving member among her five siblings: Arbertha, Ethelyn, Charline, Charlotte and Mark.

 Rowena attended Visitation School where she met the love of her life, Dale Joseph Fortin. During the third grade, Dale told his mother he was going to marry Rowena. Both became graduates of St. Joseph High School, Class of 1948. Dale, Class President and Rowena the Snow Queen. Upon graduation, Rowena worked at Kuhlman Electric as an executive assistant and Dale entered the United States Air Force, proudly serving in the Korean War. When Dale returned from the war, his third grade prediction came true and he married Rowena in San Angelo, Texas April 24, 1952; where Dale was stationed at the time. They soon started a family and moved back to their home state of Michigan. Over the next 14 years they were blessed with seven children – Debra (Mark) Wiegenstein, Denise (James) Laberge, Joe (Cynthia), Diane (Thomas) Miller, Paul (Kimberly), Peter, and Charlene.

 Their life together on earth was prematurely ended when Dale passed away at the young age of 36. With the support of a loving family, her self-dignity, pride and sense of responsibility, she was able to fulfill what she believed to be God’s mission for her- to single-handedly raise a young family. In so doing, she bestowed an eternal legacy onto her 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. ‘Grandma Row’ will be remembered for her endearing scowl and ‘tell it like it is’ approach that often disguised her tender heart and never-ending love for her family. 

  Rowena was devout in her faith and commitment to community. Reverend John Hardy was one of her closest confidants as she navigated life as a single mother. She believed in eternal life and very much looked forward to rejoining Dale and her mother-in-law, Elsie Mae for a heavenly martini. Row had keen insight and a bold candor, as she imparted convincing wisdom with whomever and whenever in every conversation she had. She created a legacy of innumerable quips, quotes, and anecdotes that embodied her quick wit and great sense of humor.

 A Master Chef, cooking was so much more than food preparation to Rowena.  Rather, the kitchen was a means of transferring family values and tradition — recipes that will be cherished for generations, for both food and life. 

 She will be greatly missed by all as the loving and colorful matriarch of the family. We take solace in the commitment to live her legacy.

 In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.