Obituary of Almeta Albertine Rowe

ROWE: Almeta Albertine~ It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Almeta Albertine Rowe, 85, affectionately known as “Candy” and “Mommy Rowe.” Many remember her as a loving mother, a sharp dresser, and an angelic soprano whose voice carried church choirs since Almeta was a child. Born from the union of Benjamin and May Altica (Nelson) Terrelonge, Almeta arrived on October 8, 1936, and grew up in the village of Pleasant Spring in western St. Andrew Parish in Jamaica. She was one of 19 children. At age 14, Almeta became a caregiver to her younger siblings, following the death of their parents. This responsibility instilled a sense of benevolence in Almeta that she would carry throughout her life. She would go on to lead an accomplished career in nursing and help raise dozens of “neighbourhood and church” children over the years. When Almeta was not in school or caring for those around her, she was an active member of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist church choir. In the mid-1950s, many young Jamaicans were encouraged to look beyond their borders for new opportunities. During this time, Almeta caught the eye of Battery Williams, before he emigrated to England. Soon after Battery left, tragedy struck, and he was killed in a motor vehicle accident. However, he was survived several months later when Almeta gave birth to Adolph Williams. Within a few short years, Almeta moved to England to pursue studies at Harefield Middlesex School of Nursing. It was in England in 1961 that Almeta met Derrick. He had emigrated in 1956 from Portland, Jamaica. The pair met at a bus stop while Almeta was on her way to choir practice. They said ‘Hello’ and put the meeting behind them, only to run into each other again at choir practice. The sweethearts quickly fell in love, got married in 1963, and began a union that would last until Almeta’s death, 58 years later. Their first daughter, Ann, was born in October 1964. A devout Christian, Almeta attended Brixton Seventh-day Adventist Church and was involved in ministry, primarily by singing soprano in the choir. In church, she was admired by youth for her impeccable dressing, very proper demeanour, and her practiced “Speaky-Spokey” British twang. Driven to excel professionally and improve the quality of life for their new family, Almeta and Derrick ultimately left England for Canada in 1968. Once there, Almeta began building a legacy through nursing, first at Western Hospital, then Scarborough General Hospital and, finally, North York Branson Hospital. Almeta possessed a talent for providing neonatal care. Her colleagues constantly spoke of her tenderness and natural aptitude. New mothers from across the city would call Almeta for advice and support. Then, in the early-1970s, Almeta turned her attention to raising more babies of her own, welcoming Heather and Renee to the family. Outside of work and family time, Almeta loved going on road trips with friends. On long drives, she would keep the driver company by singing songs by The Grace Thrillers. Then, when approaching the destination, Almeta would ring out the familiar refrain, ‘We Are Nearing Home!’ Almeta’s children were fortunate enough to inherit her singing abilities, with Ann, Heather and Renee using their soprano and alto voices to bless others. Above all, Almeta had a heart for worship. So hearing her raise a “Hallelujah” from her seat in the congregation was a sweet melody to every ear. A founding member of Toronto East Seventh-day Adventist Church since the late 1960s, Almeta served as a deaconess, songstress and Sabbath School teacher for decades. Then, in the mid-2000s, she joined Kanisa Fellowship and served as a church mother until her final days. As she takes her rest, Almeta will forever be held in the hearts of her family, including her husband, Derrick, her children, Adolph, Ann, Heather and Renee, her grandchildren, Shane, Kaja, Kehla, Kiara, her remaining siblings, Aleithia, Doreth, May Claire, and her many neighbourhood and church adoptees. A Celebration Of Life Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 12th, 2021 at the Revival Time Tabernacle, Worldwide Ministries, (Downsview) 4340 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5R9. Commencing at 10:00am. Interment to follow at the Highland Memory Gardens, 33 Memory Gardens Lane, Don Mills, Ontario. COVID 19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Face mask required, Social distancing enforced *Live Streaming Details Visitation starts at 10am EST YouTube: Covenant Funeral Homes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF0xYnyv-9z8e3NVco94fXQ Facebook: Covenant Funeral Homes https://www.facebook.com/CovenantFH Funeral Service at 11:00 am EST Visit wwww.almetarowe.ca or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CttsaGwjzW0 In accordance with capacity restrictions due to Covid-19, attendance will be restricted to invited guests. The family encourages attendees to wear colours and not feel restricted to traditional black/dark clothing. We will be honouring nurses and healthcare professionals. If you are a health care professional, please wear any of your uniforms, badges, pins, lab coats, scrubs or nursing uniforms in honour of Almeta Rowe. At the family's request, donations to https://www.adra.ca/donate/ would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Covenant Funeral Homes Inc. (Balmoral Chapel) 2505 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario M1K 2R1. Telephone: 416-265-2652. You fought the good fight, you finished your race, and your crown is waiting in glory. Now take your rest and we’ll see you in the morning. (2 Timothy 4:7)