Rita R. (Jacob) Rowan

Rita R. Rowan passed away on December 27, 2025. She was born on February 8,1933 in Painesville, OH to Andrew and Edith (Puscash) Jacob.

Rita was very athletic and active in her youth.  She never missed a day of school for 12 straight years and graduated from Fairport Harding High School in 1951.  Along with raising her family, Rita worked as a bookkeeper for the Wertheimer Clinic. 

Rita enjoyed gambling trips to Pennsylvania and all things Cleveland sports.  She was a loyal Indians fan, and she rarely missed a game on TV.  She loved her cat, Lucy.

Rita was a faithful member of St. Gabriel Church and was active in the Bereavement Ministry, and the 50 Plus Club.  She also volunteered at the St. James Soup Kitchen for many years and was a member of both Fairport and Mentor Senior Centers.

Rita is survived by her daughter Laura (Glenn) Nygord, sons, Mike (Nichole) Nighman and David (Francie) Nighman; grandchildren, Kyle Nighman, Sam Nighman, and Casey Welch.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Nighman, her second husband, Daniel Rowan, brother, Andrew Jacob, sister, Rosemary Hale and granddaughter, Shannon Nighman. 

Calling hours will be held 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Friday January 2, 2026, at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Concord, OH 44077. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow calling hours at 12:00PM.  Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery after church.

Rita will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Gabriel Bereavement Ministry, c/o the church or to the Lake County Humane Society, 7584-E Tyler Blvd., Mentor, Ohio 44060

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