Joan Margaret (Bogdan) Rowlands

Joan Margaret (Bogdan) Rowlands

Joan Margaret Rowlands 83, died December 1, 2020, at her home, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert M. Rowlands, with whom she shared a very memorable 31 years.

Joan was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, daughter of the late Charles Bogdan and the late Margaret Bogdan. She leaves two sons, Randy Soop and his wife Kathy of Ellicott City, Maryland; and Rob Soop and his wife Tammy of New Cumberland. Joan also leaves seven grandchildren: Lauren Dettorre, Kaitlin, Conor, Shanon, Devin, Ryan and Christian Soop; and two great grandchildren: Quinn and Josie Dettorre. Joan is survived by her brother, Robert Bogdan and his wife Janet of Orwell, Vermont.

Joan worked as a guidance counselor in the Mechanicsburg School District and later worked for Keystone Service Systems. With Bob by her side, Joan traveled the world. From safaris in South Africa to the pyramids of Egypt, she was unusually adventurous. She was a proud Master Gardener and an active lifetime member of Saint Stephens Episcopal Church.   Age and illness never stopped her. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing to do the things she loved with the people she loved. Joan was unapologetically proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was often seen cheering her grandchildren on at their sporting events, or on their college campuses picking them up for a quick dinner. She treasured spending holidays and special occasions with her family the most. We will miss her every day.

Joan’s family will be remembering her life at a Celebration of Life Memorial at Saint Stephens Episcopal Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110; HospiceOfCentalPA.org

Joan’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Joan’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.