Elinor Gene (LaRue) Rowsey
Elinor Gene (LaRue) Rowsey, known affectionately as Gina, passed away peacefully at her home in Friendswood, Texas, on August 30, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on April 25, 1934, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Gina was one of four children and youngest daughter in her family. Elinor/Gina was full of life and love. She was cherished by many for her bright spirit, ability to make everyone smile and laugh, and her unending generosity of herself.
Gina’s early years were marked by the love and teachings of her hard-working parents
during the challenging times of the Great Depression and World War II. Her father served as a fireman, while her mother contributed as a school worker. The values of diligence and thrift were deeply instilled in her by her family, including her grandparents, whom she adored, the McCarrells. A graduate of Central High School in 1952, Gina ventured to New York in her early twenties to pursue a dream in costume design, in the vibrant Greenwich Village, where she ended up growing friendships and enjoyed working as a telephone operator.
Her journey called her back to Tennessee to care for her ailing aunt, marking the end of
her New York adventure but not her creative spirit. She eventually left for Houston, Texas with her oldest sister, Patsy, who gave her the nickname Gina. Gina was a woman of many talents and immense energy; she not only taught dance but also worked multiple jobs, including as a receptionist and a department store employee at night, to support her family.
Gina’s life was a testament to her love for music and community, as evident from her
active participation in the choir at First United Methodist Church. Her musical journey with the church choir even took her across Europe, a memory cherished by many, including her younger daughter Janine, who joined her in Rome in 2010 for an unforgettable trip.
She was able to enjoy her sunset years at home, as she wished. Her life this past year
was peaceful and happy. She continued to have her wonderful sense of humor. Her older
daughter, Merrie Anne (and her fiancé, BK) stayed with Gina as her live-in caregivers during this time and were blessed with the opportunity to care for someone so deserving.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by her daughters Merrie Anne
Maier and Janine Rowsey; grandsons Chris Bridges and Cameron Bridges; great-grandsons Ryan and Beaux; granddaughters-in-law Sara and Jasmine; and step-daughter Paula Anderson and her family. She is predeceased by her two older sisters, Patsy and Mary Jane and leaves behind her younger brother, Ed. She will also be lovingly remembered by many dear friends and family across Texas, Tennessee, and England.
Gina’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, resilience, and an unyielding zest for
life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First
United Methodist Church, downtown, 1320 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002. A reception will follow at the Church.
So grateful for her life and many happy memories… her smile will never fade.
Gina, what can I say. She was the greatest!
Everyone she came in contact with became her family. Gina knew how long you worked at your job, your spouse’s name how many children you had and their birthdays. She was genuinely interested in everything you had to say.
I’ve never known anyone with such a big heart. I will miss you.
With affection
I love our friendship!
Gina had the most loving smile. Last time I visited, she was getting dressed after a bath and she told me ” I just get so dirty from playing so much..” She was witty to the end and even though she didn’t completely remember my name, she knew that she knew me and was content chattering. Less than a year ago she was still showing me pictures of friends and family, mostly kids on her phone. She loved everyone and she was so fortunate to have Merrie Anne and Bob stay with her and keep her happy and safe this past struggle of a year. You are already missed Gina Girl.
My son, Daniel, and I are so blessed to have known Gina. We started working together when he was an infant and she watched him grow up. He is now a grown man with a family of his own and she was always so thoughtful, remembering to send birthday cards to him every year. You never met a more beautiful, generous, kind and thoughtful soul as Gina. I loved her sense of humor and quick wit. She lived such an interesting life and I loved listening to her many stories. Her love for her family was so apparent whenever she spoke of them. I will miss you, Gina, I but know we will meet again one day. I love you! You are forever in my heart!
My Aunt Gina was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. She brightened up every life she came into contact with. I will miss her generosity of self and her wicked sense of humour. May you rest in the most blessed peace, Gina.
With love from Merri.
I never met Gina, but I have talked to her on the phone when she would check on Janine who lives across the street from me and Gina and I had very long talk. Love you and I will miss you lee stewart .
I have fond memories of lovely Aunt Gina, and will remember her as pure sunshine and a bundle of positive energy and grace. She came out to Amsterdam (where I live) in 2017 just before my wedding and came to collect my wedding ring with me from the shop where it was being made. It was a special day and so lovely to have her and Janine there. She told me how happy she was for me and how fond she was of my fiancé Ben, and was so sincere and warm; a truly lovely lady. Hard working, fun and beautiful.
Sending love to her family.
I’m sending my deepest condolences to Janine and her family. I hope you find solace in the company of family, close friends, and the loving memories of your beautiful mother.
People like Gina make the workday brighter! I enjoyed her cheerful spirit, humor, and kindness all the years we overlapped at the offices of Texas Crude.
She will be fondly remembered!
Regards,
Abby McDonald