Obituary of Judith O'Brien

April 17, 1940 – November 17, 2024

Judith Fae Rowan (Judy) was born on April 16,1940 to Vern Dale Rowan and Ruby Lorene (Yackle) Rowan at their home in Granada, Minnesota. She was the third child in a family with eight girls and five boys which is why three was her favorite number. Judy attended District 28 Country School through eighth grade and graduated from Granada High School in 1958.

Judy was a farm girl who milked cows, slopped the pigs and worked outside every day with her dad. She would work in the barn in the morning before school. When one of her younger siblings would tell her the school bus was coming she would run to the house to get ready before it stopped at their driveway. Judy had a lot of fond memories of living on the farm and some not-so-fond memories of the smell.

Her first full-time job was working at Fairmont National Bank (currently US Bank) in Fairmont, MN. She worked in the mortgage banking industry until spending her last 22+ years working for the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Judy ended her career as the Homeownership Department Manager. Judy made a difference for those in need of housing in the State of Missouri and made many good friends throughout her career.

Judy met the love of her life John O’Brien when he was playing for the Fairmont Martins semi-pro baseball team. This small-town Minnesota girl and California boy were the perfect match. They married on June 1,1963 and enjoyed over 58 years together before John’s death in 2021. They considered Kansas City, Missouri their home but they also lived in Mason City and Omaha. They were the “it” couple with a dance floor in their basement complete with music and flashing lights. They loved to entertain with good food, great storytelling and lots of fun.

Judy shared her talent and enthusiasm with others in many ways. Judy was a member of the American Business Women of America and was named Woman of the Year in 1970. Her involvement in this organization found her participating in numerous service and community activities. She was part of the Symphony Guild and the Red Hats society. She enjoyed working on the Symphony Showcase and made many dear friends participating with that organization.

Bowling was a big part of Judy and John’s life. They often bowled three times per week and on Saturday nights they had a midnight reservation to bowl for green stamps with their friends. Judy was a loyal Chiefs and Royals fan and never missed watching a game.

Family was very important to Judy. The eight Rowan sisters have rhyming middle names and she enjoyed sharing them with new acquaintances. Judy had so many fun stories and memories from the annual sister trips. John always said there was a three-sister limit on visits to Kansas City because their laughter was too loud. Judy loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own. She may not have always been close in proximity, but she held a special place in their hearts.

Judy was a precious gift to all who met her, but she was also a champion gift giver. She had a closet with gifts on-the-ready and a gift-wrapping space in her home. She always gave gifts for every occasion and brought beautifully wrapped packages everywhere she was invited. The Rowan family referred to them as “Judy boxes” and would reuse them as they were works of art.

Judy’s beautiful smile and kind heart will be missed by all. She had a quick wit and enjoyed laughing at her own jokes. She teased everyone who cared for her. Even through the pain at the end of her life she thanked the doctors, nurses and aides she encountered. Many remarked how much of a pleasure and honor it was to care for this beautiful lady with a funny and kind soul.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband John O’Brien, parents Vern and Ruby Rowan and brother Ramon Rowan.

Judy is survived by seven sisters including Wanda Johnson, Gayle Larkin, Sherry Larson (John), Joy Pollock (Lorin), Rita Craven (Mark), Lori Baker and Karen Huss (Joe); and four brothers Vern Rowan (Kay), Randy Rowan (Pat), Jon Rowan (Cheryl) and Terry Rowan (LaRee); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She had many friends in Kansas City in the Coves neighborhood and Tiffany Springs Senior Living.

The Rowan Family is hosting a Celebration of Judy’s life at the Red Rock Center in Fairmont Minnesota from 1–3 p.m. on Friday, December 6 and at Tiffany Springs Senior Living in Kansas City, Missouri from 1-3 on Thursday, December 12.