Edith Marie Gorlick Rowell

Former First Lady of Spartanburg, Edith Marie Gorlick Rowell, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023, at the age of 91. Born September 6, 1931 in Lennard, Manitoba, Canada, Edith was the daughter of the late Jack Simeon Gorlick and Victoria Paulencu Gorlick, who were respectively first and second generation Romanian immigrants. She was married for 60 years to the late Robert “Bob” Rowell.

 Edith grew up on her parents’ farm with her four siblings John Gorlick, George Gorlick, Sylvia Gorlick Friesen, and Pervis Gorlick (all deceased). She attended Manitoba Teachers’ College and while teaching at the Duke of Edinburgh School at Fort Churchill, Manitoba, she met Lt. Robert “Bob” Rowell from Florida who was serving in the Army. They were married August 18, 1956.

The couple moved to Florida where their three children were born. In 1966, they relocated to Spartanburg, where they would spend the rest of their lives. Both Bob and Edith were active members of Central United Methodist Church, Rotary International, and Alliance Francaise, as well as other civic, cultural, and philanthropic organizations. Edith served as First Lady of Spartanburg during her husband’s time as Mayor and as President of Inner Wheel when Bob served as President of Rotary.

Edith was a lifelong learner. She attended both USC Upstate and Wofford College. She spoke English, French, and Romanian. She was a student of the world and traveled extensively with her husband across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Edith loved music, art, theater and cuisine. She had a talent for gardening and loved flowers. Yoga was an interest of hers, reading was her number one hobby, but her four grandchildren were her greatest joy. Many family and friends enjoyed how Edith would sing Happy Birthday over the phone. She was also known for her handwritten letters and cards.

Edith is survived by her children Dr. Craig Rowell (Beverly) of Chesterfield, VA, Calla Snow (Eric) of Boiling Springs, SC, and Christopher Rowell (Charles) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Dr. Colin Rowell (Kyrie), Corbin Rowell (Kristen), Victoria Snow, and Erica Snow; and sister-in-law Benita Stavely (Charles) of Spartanburg.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday, May, 14, 2023 at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel 2075 E. Main St, Spartanburg, SC, 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Monday, May 15, 2023 at Central United Methodist Church with a reception to follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd, Spartanburg, SC, 29307.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church St, Spartanburg, SC  29306.

Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel