Brenda J. Rowe

Brenda (Newcomb) Rowe, 81, of Sebring, FL, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, after bravely battling Parkinson’s disease for eight years. Brenda faced her illness with quiet strength, grace, and resilience, never losing her sense of humor and love for family.

Brenda was born on March 28, 1944, in Bangor, Maine, where she was also raised. She was the beloved daughter of Erwin “Barrett” Newcomb II and Ruth (Lydick) Newcomb. Maine continued to hold a special place in her heart, even after she and her husband made Florida their permanent home..

Brenda and her husband, James Rowe, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 4, 2025. Together, they moved from Maine to Port St. Lucie Florida in 1987, and later settled in Sebring, Florida, where they resided at the time of her passing. She is survived by her husband, James Rowe, of Sebring, FL, and daughters, Jodi Geary and Jill Macy of Nashua, NH, Lisa Genet of Naples, FL and Danielle Sullivan of Longwood, FL. In addition, she is survived by siblings Janice Campbell of Bangor, ME, and Loreen Reynolds of Harlem, GA, as well as step-brother, Paul Gallant of Bangor, ME. She was predeceased by her parents, Erwin “Barrett” Newcomb ll and Ruth Nevins, step-parents Bernice “Bunny” Newcomb and John Nevins; brother, Erwin “Sonny” Newcomb; step-sister, Brenda Gallant Simpson and son-in-law, Eddie Macy. Brenda was a proud and devoted mother to her four daughters. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren: John Geary III, Ashley Geary, Hannah Genet, John Genet III, Natalie Sullivan, Analyse Sullivan, and Christian Sullivan. She cherished time spent with each of them and made them feel special.

Brenda’s professional career reflected her work ethic, exemplary leadership skills, dedication, and deep care for others. She began her career as a floral designer at Bangor Nursery, where her eye for beauty and attention to detail were evident in everything she did. In 1976, she found her true passion when working as Executive Assistant to the Headmaster at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, ME, where 3 of her daughters graduated. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and tireless work in support of the school, town and dorm students, faculty, staff, headmaster and alumni were unmatched. She carried the same skill-set and passions with her to Lincoln Park Academy, Fort Pierce, FL, where her 4th daughter graduated. She closed out her career working as the Executive Assistant to the Principal at St. Lucie West Centennial High School and retired from the St. Lucie County School System in FL in June 2010, She deeply loved the students, teachers, and faculty she worked alongside and generously volunteered countless hours, always eager to help and support her school communities. Brenda found happiness in the traditions she created for her family. Christmas was especially dear to her heart, and she lovingly prepared for Christmas Day all year long, making it a time filled with warmth and joy. She also loved road trips, family gatherings, playing cards—especially lively games of double Solitaire—and spending meaningful time with those she loved most.

Above all, Brenda will be remembered for her kindness, humor, dedication, and unwavering love for her family. Her presence brought comfort, her laughter and sense of humor brought joy, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private funeral service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor, Maine on January 23, 2026.