Remembering Community Leader Fran Rowan

There is no corner that does not have Fran Rowan’s imprint on it.

From the Meridian House that now bears her name to the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center to the Atlantic Works Artist Building on Border Street that is home to the East Boston Artists Group to Zumix or serving on the board of  the North Suffolk Mental Association that has helped the countless people get back on track as they faced recovery from drug addiction – Fran Rowan was a an outstanding community leader and a friend to all.

Throughout her life, Fran fought for what she believed was the right thing to do and despite skeptics, she eventually convinced naysayers that her vision to help and improve the community was a vision that everyone should share.

We agree with the laudatory comments that have been pouring out on social media, at coffee shops and restaurants, and from homes in East Boston and the surrounding communities that Fran Rowan left an indelible mark on all these neighborhood. The praise that she received in life and upon her passing is a result of the decades of volunteer work and community activism that she exhibited for the betterment of our community.

Fran was never one to seek adulation nor was she comfortable accepting any praise or reward without first using those opportunities to give back something to the organization or people that were bestowing praise in her direction.

 We extend our condolences to her family – and her extended family that was the entire East Boston community. We mourn together over the loss of Fran Rowan.