Nancy Lee Rowe

Nancy Lee Rowe, 79, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, with additional visitation one hour prior to the service. A livestream of the funeral service can be accessed on the funeral home's tribute page for Nancy. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion.

Nancy was born on December 11, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Paul and Margaret (Holub) Hostak. Nancy was a member of the first graduating class of La Salle High School in 1964, where she was the school’s very first homecoming queen. She graduated from Ottumwa Heights in 1966. On July 6, 1968, Nancy was united in marriage to Alan Rowe at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.

Nancy served as an executive secretary at Mercy Medical Center before dedicating her time to her community, including her involvement with Theatre Cedar Rapids and as a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, as a CCD teacher, a member of the parish council, and the social justice committee. Nancy enjoyed playing the piano and found fulfillment in caring for others, in simple, meaningful ways, like feeding her children's Linn-Mar sports teams. A true humanitarian, she was fiercely independent, yet deeply compassionate. Nancy loved reading, storytelling, and living a healthy, active life. She had a rare gift for listening, truly listening, with empathy and love, while holding space for everyone to feel seen, valued, and understood.

Above all, Nancy treasured her family. Known as Nana, she was a proud and loving grandmother, the heart of her home, and, as many would say, a “rad mom.” The sentiment of motherhood extended far beyond her immediate family, opening the door to neighborhood families, and especially children. She was genuine and self-aware, embracing her life with honesty and grace. Nancy will be remembered as a strong, real, and deeply loving woman who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Nancy is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Alan Rowe; children, Tim (Jenny) Zanner Rowe, Jason (Tonia) Rowe, and Allyn (Jon) Locker; grandchildren, Ella Rowe, Liam Rowe, and Benjamin Locker; and brother, Lary Hostak.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Nadine McEnany; and brother, Paul Hostak.

Memorials in Nancy’s memory may be directed to Willis Dady Shelter or the Catherine McAuley Center.