Rowena Janis (née Ambrose) died peacefully in her South Jamesport home Saturday, Oct. 3. She was 87.

Born on Dec. 6, 1938, to Ralph and Lucy (née Mazgulski) Ambrose, Rowena was the eldest of two daughters. The arrival of her younger sister, Lucille, brought Rowena her lifelong confidant and advocate, her greatest champion and source of strength amidst life’s highs and lows.

While growing up in their Sweezy Avenue home in Riverhead, Rowena was especially fond of her paternal aunts Julia and Rosie. For the young Rowena, these charismatic and effervescent women were more than kin – they were role models and life mentors whose example and wisdom she drew upon all her life.

Rowena graduated from Riverhead High School in 1957, where she played field hockey and was an avid ballroom dancer. In need of an escort to the Southampton Beauty Pageant, her matchmaker Aunt Julia recommended the family’s egg delivery boy, Raymond Janis Jr.

Ray and Ro’s dance moves quickly outdid all other pageantry that fateful evening. As they danced, the lone floodlight shone upon them both, their lifelong love now kindled. Thirteen dates later, they shared their first kiss. (Ray lambasted the pageant judges all his days for denying his bride-to-be the crown.)

They married on Sept. 7, 1958, at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, the altar adorned with palm, chrysanthemum and gladioli, in what a local newspaper called “one of the prettiest weddings of the early fall season.” Lucille stood at Rowena’s side as maid of honor while Ray’s twin brother, Gerald, was his best man.

With a buttered roll and a cup of coffee in hand each morning for nine months, Rowena rode the diesel-guzzling LIRR from Riverhead to Jamaica, where she attended beauty school.

On Main Street in Jamesport, she opened her own business, Princess Beauty Salon, so-called because every woman who entered her salon deserved to walk out a princess.

The life of a beautician uniquely paired with Rowena’s innate traits as a social magnet and conversationalist. Her parlor soon became a hub where locals caught up on the latest town news and gossip. And, setting her own schedule, Rowena made sure to be home each night to feed her growing family.

Ray and Ro welcomed two sons, Raymond III “Randy” and Darrell, into their home. She mothered her boys with both tenderness and firmness, often employing her colorful aphorisms to convey life’s lessons: “You can lead a horse to water but can’t make it drink,” and “Health is wealth,” among many others.

On Sunday mornings at St. John the Evangelist, as the priest delivered his homily, the Janises could be heard ruffling through the pews (always late yet always present).

Along with her Catholic faith, Rowena emphasized to her boys the need for good morals, close family bonds and basic dance rhythm. And of course, she imparted in them a hearty love of the culinary arts – and eating. Randy and Darrell were her and Ray’s entire world.

Ray and Ro’s twilight years brought new blessings as their world grew a little bigger and more vivid with the arrival of five grandchildren.

Rowena delighted endlessly in her grandkids: in every birthday party and special occasion dinner, every pack of Trident gum (Original Flavor) she bestowed, every thoroughly underlined Hallmark card – always punctuated by her handwritten signature refrain, “May God love and bless and protect you always.”

Janis family reunions in Mattituck, Easter morning brunches at Lucille’s, company Christmas parties at the firehouse and the hours-long phone calls (with Ray often joining in on the second landline) – these were the little moments she lived for.

Nearing the end of her life, Rowena was lovingly supported each day by her sister, Lucille, whose selfless devotion, along with Randy, Darrell and her dedicated aides, gave her comfort and peace.

Rowena is remembered for her booming laughter, her beaming smile, her bubbly conversation and for that special way she made others feel seen and loved. For one who prided herself in making others feel beautiful, Rowena Janis lived a beautiful life.

Rowena was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Jr. She is survived by her sister, Lucille; sons Raymond III (Theresa) and Darrell (Bernadette); grandchildren Ally (Sean), Megan, Alec, Raymond IV and Claire; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A wake will be held Friday, Oct. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 13805 Main Rd., Mattituck, NY 11952.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 546 St. Johns Place, Riverhead, NY 11901. Interment will follow at Saint John the Evangelist R.C. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Jamesport Fire Department, Post Office Box 54, Jamesport, NY 11947 or American Cancer Society, c/o Rahway Regional Cancer Center, attn: Renee Sarnicki, RN, 892 Trussler Place, Rahway, NJ 07065 would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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