Rose Marie (Ganem) Dow

Rose Marie Ganem was born on May 10th, 1925 in Somerset Massachusetts, the daughter of Frances and Ferris Ganem.  Rose adored growing up with her five siblings and many animals, including a beloved hen.  From the very beginning, her parents instilled in her a strong faith and devotion to her church and community, which sustained her throughout her life.  As an active parishioner at St. Anthony of the Desert Church in Fall River, she became the parish secretary and President of the Children of Mary. 

One evening in 1949, Rose was attending a play with a male friend when Emil Dow, taken with Rose’s vivacious personality and captivating smile, approached her friend to ask, “What are your intentions toward Rose?” This led to a marriage of almost fifty years and a beautiful family of four children.  

Very quickly, Rose became involved in her new community, West Roxbury, and was active at the Beethoven school as a member and President of the PTA.  She enjoyed being involved in her children’s activities and was always volunteering in one way or another.  Rose’s boundless energy was powered by the joy of being with others, especially when she could be of service. Rose’s friendships, in particular, were a constant source of love and kinship that have lasted for decades. 

For over 20 years, she served in the local Girl Scouts as a Leader, being awarded Leader of the Year in 1969, and ultimately rising to District Organizer.   Scouts and adults alike will remember Rose as the one who always brought fun and laughter to any adventure, as well as the one who was able to persuade the bus driver to stop for ice cream.

Rose’s devotion to the Maronite faith brought her to Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church.  For decades, she volunteered tirelessly, never missing an opportunity to support the church in any way necessary.  Her hard-working approach to volunteering inspired others to join in, and she never failed to show her appreciation for those working alongside her.  Rose organized and was heavily involved in a wide variety of activities, including luncheons, Huflis, Bingo, The Cedars Daughters Club, and the St. Maron’s Club.  At the annual bazaar, you could always find Rose behind the pastry table with her delicious offerings of Arabic pastry and gingerbread men.  

Rose proudly served on the Board of Directors of the American Arabic Benevolent Association (AABA) for 40 years.  The annual raffle fundraiser was the most challenging AABA project and Rose took charge of it, handling all aspects of it with her usual dedication and attention to detail.   In honor of all she did, the raffle was renamed AABA’s “Rose Raffle”.

In addition to all the organizations and activities she was a part of, Rose was also active in the Lebanese-Syrian Ladies Aid Society and the N.G. Beram Veterans Ladies Auxiliary.  In 2018 Rose was the recipient of the N.G. Beram Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of her lifetime of service to her community.

Still, the awards and honors did not mean as much to Rose as the people she got to know, the lives she touched, and those who touched hers.  She truly loved the people around her and they loved her as well!

Rose passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on October 21, 2021.  She was 96 years old.

Rose was the dear and devoted wife of the late Emil Dow.  Beloved mother of Carol Migliore and her husband Vincent, Diana Dow, John Ferris Dow and his wife Miranda, Nancy Rose Dow and her husband James Gregoric.  Loving grandmother "Sitto" of Zachary & Zoe Gregoric, and Emil, Harrison & Helen Dow.  Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Rose's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday October 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church 61 Rockwood St. Jamaica Plain.  Visiting hours at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  Per the City of Boston Health Commision, masks are required in the funeral home.  Rose will be laid to rest with her beloved Emil at Mt. Benedict Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Rose's memory to Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church 61 Rockwood St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (ourladyofthecedars.org) or to the American Arabic Benevolent Association 18 Cheriton Rd. West Roxbury, MA 02132 (aabausa.org) or to the Lebanese-Syrian Ladies Aid Society P.O. Box 722 Westwood, MA 02090.

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