Saratoga Springs, NY - Mary Jean (Marge) Rowland, 60, a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs, passed away on September 1, 2015 after a brief illness. Survivors include her stepmother, Eleanor Rowland Nobile; step-sister, Sandra G. Butler; nieces and nephews; and her cherished dogs, Stella and Cotton. Marge was predeceased by her parents, Mary Jean Draper Rowland and Edward W. Rowland; her beloved uncle, H. Joseph Rowland; one brother, Edward J. Rowland and step-sister, Fonda K. Howard. A lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs, Marge graduated from St. Peter's Academy in 1972, and later from Maria College in 1974. She attended SUNY at Albany for classes in social work, and later graduated from the Westchester School as a certified medical assistant. She worked in health care at Saratoga Hospital for many years before taking a position with a pulmonology practice in Albany for over a decade. Her most recent position was at the Schenectady Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates. Marge truly enjoyed her time there and was very thankful for the support and generosity of the doctors and staff at SPCCA. Marge's dedication to service in healthcare was always present in her life. In high school she was a candy striper and a volunteer at Mt. McGregor when it was a hospital for the challenged in the 1970's. Marge's other loves included music, travelling, shopping, decorating and adopting rescue dogs. Marge was an original member of the Church of St. Peter's, "Joyful Word" folk group throughout its early years, singing and playing guitar. When travelling with close friends, which she did as often as she could, Marge was tireless when sightseeing or shopping, and unlike her trusty companions, her feet never hurt, her stomach never became upset, and she never had a headache. She had a passion for decorating during her favorite two seasons, fall and winter. As soon as the calendar turned from August to September, Marge's love of autumn colors, whimsical figurines, and candles became very evident, as did her odd and wonderful Christmas tree ornaments two months later. Her personality and disposition brought her many lifelong friends whom she loved dearly, and was dearly loved by them in return. Marge will be remembered for her caring manner towards the sick; her love of the whimsical and unusual; the deep care she had for her family, especially for Uncle Joe, the unconditional loyalty and love of her friendship, and her complete and unbreakable devotion to her pets, from the late Mocha Fred Eloise, to her current companions, Stella Mulroney and Cotton. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Friday (Sept. 4, 2015) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday (Sept. 5) in the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway and burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929 or the American Lung Association,155 Washington Ave., Suite210, Albany, NY 12210 or the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.