Bridget Philomena Rowland

It is with deep sorrow that the children of Bridget P. Rowland (née Cunningham) announce the death of their mother on January 28, 2025 after a fall and short hospitalization. Bridget was born in Meentashask, Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland, to Patrick and Catherine Cunningham. She was the seventh of twelve children and was raised in the deep faith of the Catholic Church. As a young woman, she moved to England, where she worked in an office and pursued further education. Later, she followed her beloved brother, Fr. Kieran Cunningham and other siblings to the Tacoma area.

In Washington, she found both community and purpose, working at Safeway and becoming a cherished part of the local Irish Catholic community. It was here that she married and built a loving home, raised six children, and guided them from childhood to adulthood. For over 25 years, she worked as an assistant cook in the Seattle School District cafeterias, serving countless children with kindness and generosity. During the summers, she took special joy in preparing meals for the district’s summer lunch program, ensuring that no child would go hungry.

Bridget found special happiness in her garden, where she spent many peaceful hours under the warmth of the Northwest sun. Though miles often separated her from family and friends, she remained closely connected through cherished phone calls to Ireland, England, and beyond. Yet her greatest joy was always in the presence of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A cup of tea was ever at hand, and if you were fortunate, she would share her famous Irish bread, made with love. 

Bridget is survived by her children: Ann (Rich) Bitzer, Kathleen Rowland, Teresa (Stewart) O’Leary, Patrick (Wendy) Rowland; 6 grandchildren: Sean, Ryan, Kenneth, Kirstin, Siobhan, and Patrick; 13 great grandchildren; siblings: Josephine Percy, in England, Margaret (Sean) Brady in Ireland, Celine Winter in Australia, Charles (Caroline) Cunningham in Seattle, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins around the world.Bridget was preceded in death by sons: Martin and Kevin Rowland, and granddaughter Siobhan Bitzer; her parents: Patrick and Catherine Cunningham; her siblings and their spouses: Mary (Charles) Mooney, Kay (Mike) Merdich, Fr. Kieran Cunningham OSB., James Cunningham, Ellen (Lawrence) Brittain, Nana (Charlie) Gavigan, Anthony (Marie) Cunningham.Special thanks to Ocean Breeze Adult Family Home and her amazing caregivers: Miha, Miti. Carleen, Sandra, and Grace. She always felt well cared for and safe. The ladies shared, “Mom was a sweet and gentle soul.” She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for her gentleness and the twinkle in her eyes. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 20 at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1240 NE 127th Street, Seattle. Rosary at 10:30am, Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Interment service at Calvery Cemetery, 5041 35th Ave NE, Seattle at approximately 2pm.Check Beck's Tribute Center website for live streaming information. (www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/washington/edmonds/beck-s-tribute-center/fh-5809)In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to BreakthroughT1D.org, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis

May her faithful soul rest at God's right hand