Margaret Mary Rowe-Barthel - Obituary

argaret “Marge” Mary Rowe-Barthel of Phoenix and Annapolis, MD passed away on October 25, 2026. It was the 47th anniversary of her first husband, Barry L.D. Rowe’s death. She was 100 years old. Marge was born on September 20, 1926 to Robert E. and Margaret Lynch of Washington, DC. Her father, a prominent criminal defense attorney, lived to be 95. The second of four children, Marge attended Catholic grade school and public high school in Washington, DC. After having three children, Marge became one of the first women to graduate from Johns Hopkins University, obtaining a BS in English. She taught 4th grade at St. James Academy in Monkton, MD for many years. Marge was a gourmet cook and enjoyed cooking delicious meals for friends and family. She was also an avid gardener, bridge, and tennis player. These healthy habits perhaps explain her longevity! Marge’s first husband, Barry Rowe, was a graduate of the British Naval Academy in 1939. One of the few in his class to survive WWII, for years he continued his career in the Royal British Navy as a submarine Commander. Marge and Barry met on the beach in Rehoboth Beach, DE during one of his visits to the US to work at the British Embassy in Washington. Marge said “he was the only guy on the beach wearing a tweed suit”. Married a year later, they lived in England, Scotland, and Bermuda. Then, in 1960, they moved permanently to the US. After Barry died in 1979 at the age of 57, Marge was briefly married to Richard Hirsch of Phoenix, MD. At age 79, Marge married her third husband, Don Barthel of Timonium, MD. According to another resident at the independent living facility where they both lived, many of the single female residents were interested in Don after his wife died. Marge was oblivious, but Don set his sights on her and eventually persuaded her to marry him. They lived happily together for 16 years until his death at 95. Beloved by family and friends, Marge is survived by her three children, Annette Rowe of Rehoboth Beach, DE, Jackie Dutton of Annapolis, MD, and Philip Rowe of Denver, CO. She had six loving grandchildren, Matthew Sampson, Kate Fossett, Andrea Dutton, Barry Dutton, Kristen Maley, and Laura Marturano, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Marge lived a long, interesting, and fulfilling life, becoming a centenarian. A private burial will take place at St. James Episcopal Church in Monkton, MD. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.