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Wendy Rowley Monroe

July 25, 1965 - September 01, 2022

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Obituary For Wendy Rowley Monroe

Wendy Rowley Monroe, 57, passed away peacefully in her home the night of September 1st, 2022. A resident of Raleigh, North Carolina since the early 2000s, Wendy was born in Pinellas County Florida on July 25th,1965 and raised by a loving family including Sarah Rowley, John Rowley, and Peggy Rowley. She was brought up in Florida and spent much of her time driving her cherry red mustang and writing for the school paper. Wendy went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree at Eckerd College. She worked in all aspects of communications before beginning a family with her two children and ultimately settling down in North Carolina.

Outside of her role with the family, Wendy’s passions included photography, writing, travel, and of course, the music of Jon Bon Jovi. She was a fiercely loyal friend who touched the lives of many. Wendy had a unique gift of making people feel heard and cared for. She was a woman of many talents whose love was truly unconditional. While she referred to those closest to her as her precious treasures, it was her who was the brightest gem of them all.

Wendy was a woman of strong faith. As she wrote, “I am a woman of faith in the greater good. I am a woman of faith in the power of choosing to see the good during the worst of times. It is easier said than done.”

She is survived by her two daughters Melissa and Amanda Monroe as well as her parents John and Peggy Rowley. Her service will be Monday, September, 12th 2022 at 11am at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to PawsForLifeNC (https://www.pawsforlifenc.org/donate) - the organization that brought her two cats Oscar & Leo and her grand-dog, Bandit.

Services

12 Sep

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 01, 2022

    Such a beautiful picture and tribute to your mom. Amanda and Melissa we are so sorry for your loss. My best memories of Wendy are working side by side with her volunteering at Saint Raphael. She is a beautiful soul and leaves us with beautiful memories. Prayers, The Simmons Family (Kim, Ruffin, Abigail, Lauren, Kyle & Lillian)

  • September 12, 2022

    Once upon a time there was a beautiful Princess named Wendarella, she was the daughter of the Great King John. One day while riding her red Mustang with her colors flying she noticed Prince Mike and his sidekick Friar Ike. He saw the beautiful Princess and brought her to Grove Castle to meet his mother Queen Florence. They immediately hit it off, much impressed by her loving manner, her poise and grace beyond her years. The Princess and Prince dated for awhile then broke up. Queen Florence was not happy, she had grown to love her like her own daughters. So the Queen declared Princess Wendarella an Honorary Princess of Grove Castle and so it was. From the moment she came into our hearts she never left and never will. Hope you like your new Castle with the King of Kings😇 Queen Florence is waiting for you. Love Stacey Karras, Tammy Cote, Kristin Kuntz-Leon, Becca Fitzgerald,Ashley Ramos

  • September 11, 2022

    My heartfelt condolences to Wendy's family. Wendy and my sister, Clairette, were good friends. Clairette would say, 'I'm having lunch with Wendy!" Through the years, Clairette would say how much she enjoyed Wendy's friendship. Her daughter, Melanie, is a close friend of Amanda. These friendships span 2 generations. Wendy was a cherished friend. She rests in peace.

  • September 10, 2022

    Wendy, Dawn & I (Linda Hicks) enjoyed many Orlando visits from Wendy. I loved her same smile & love for people, her fierce political beliefs, all the advise & support. I wish our visit to see Wendy had worked out in May, but was not meant to be. My love & peace sent to her girls & family. She will be forever remembered & missed

  • September 10, 2022

    I'm so saddened... we have lost a truly beautiful soul. Sending my deepest condolences to Wendy's family. Dear Amanda and Melissa—I will miss your mom so much, she was beautiful inside and out, she was brilliant and kind, and she had such thoughtful, clever wit. I know she was very proud of you both, loved you both fiercely, and that she adored her pets, too. In high school, I was lucky enough to ride around St. Pete with your mom, in her cherry red Mustang. She was so cool AND kind.

  • September 09, 2022

    The loss of my dear friend of 20 years is hard to articulate. If I were as brilliant as Wendy, I would be able to put into words exactly what I was feeling and be able to describe her with elegance. She had a way of expressing situations and feelings with antidotes and her own funny little made up sayings, unlike anyone I have ever known. She called our trips, "Wendy and Dawn's excellent adventures". We had an epic trip to IKEA where we got 3 rooms of furniture plus 4 kids in 2 mini vans on the way back from visiting Washington, DC. We also had an unforgettable trip with the kids to Universal Studios just after the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where we had an 8 hour wait to enter and we all took turns holding our place in line. Wendy would make up descriptive words for the decorating style of each of the houses I moved into since we met. For instance, my Melbourne house she coined as "tropiditional" because it was traditional with a tropical flare. My daughter asked Wendy to officiate her wedding, which Wendy did brilliantly. She wrote an amazing ceremony full of lovely sentiments and fun analogies, along with traditional touches. Wendy called Melissa and Amanda her "Precious Treasures" whom she loved and parented with her whole being, as I am sure they know and appreciate. To her credit, she has raised two wonderful humans that will be her legacy. So, in my way I will try to describe my feelings. I am saddened to my core. I feel such a sense of loss, of future Excellent Adventures and meaningful conversations with my loving, faithful, intelligent, creative, fun, loyal, exceptional friend.

  • September 09, 2022

    Wendy Where do I begin the memories are endless. I'm writing this still in shock days after hearing my mom tell me the news . I couldn't seem to find the words . I really wish I could be there . I really stepped back and thought of you and what you'd tell me . You'd say "Aubrey your so wise and speak so well ". That's who you were a strong woman who lifted others up . You my dear were an example of so many good things. You were definitely a part of the Lazzara family's growth . I grew up watching Harry Potter and having all sorts of beautiful, fun memories with your daughters . You were the person who guided me into my marriage to my best friend David . The memories I have of you are positive and light even when you'd sit me down and tell me to stop being sassy to my mom :.) . Most importantly you were my moms good friend. Good is an understatement because you were her shoulder, her ear ,her laughter ,her Banco buddy ,her walking friend , and her advocate and words of wisdom when things were good and bad . I can never thank you enough for the beautiful staple you've been in my family's life . Especially my moms thank you . I absolutely know in my heart that you are the most beautiful and free butterfly now . 🦋 I know your going to watch over your girls who were everything to you . I know you left a mark on so many people. Thank you for being you and sharing your wisdom and heart . I will miss you and think of you often . Rest easy Miss Wendy . All my love and condolences to Mallisa and Amanda . We will always have Hogwarts .

  • September 09, 2022

    Melissa and Amanda, I was so glad to have known your mom at St Raphael and then through Facebook. Your mom was always fierce and steadfast, but also so full of joy. Amanda, you are a testament to your moms gift as a mother. Your bright light was evidence of how loved you were (and always will be). And your mom gave me the best piece of mothering advice that I hold to so tightly eleven years later. I asked how she raised such a wonderful daughter and she said she learned never to hold onto the past or look for the future. Just enjoy each season. And I know she did with a sincere heart. I will always be better for knowing you and your mother. She will be missed. May God bless you as you hold onto so many memories.

  • September 09, 2022

    Melissa and Amanda - Am so sorry for the loss of your dear mom. She loved you deeply and was so very proud of you. Hugs and prayers for you and your entire family.

  • September 09, 2022

    Wendy ... I was honored to be your teacher at Canterbury so many years ago. As a teacher we are not supposed to have favorites but it's hard not to call you "favorite" during those years and for all the years that we remained friends. Always smiling always positive always caring. Will miss you!

  • September 09, 2022

    Amanda and Melissa, Moms by nature live to see the successes of their children and girls your mom was so proud of you both. After Amanda graduated I lost touch, life happens but I always loved when she would share her joy and prideful stories about you both. She raised 2 very strong women! Thinking of you both and sending hugs.

  • September 06, 2022

    You are such a beautiful angel and you will be so missed! I am so blessed to have you as my friend. I love you ❤️

  • September 06, 2022

    Wendy, I am forever grateful for your friendship over many miles and years. I would not be a cat-nerd but for you and Calico. Such a kind, wise, good soul gone much too soon. My heart is with your precious treasures, Melissa and Amanda.

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