Rowena Lavender ,80, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2015 after a brief illness at Albany Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Rowena was born in Colonie and was the daughter of the late Thomas Winegar and Marion (Finch) Winegar.

Rowena was the devoted wife to Louis Lavender, to whom she was marriage for over 61 years, and happily united in life together since she was 12 years old.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved traveling to Atlantic City and spending her summers at Saratoga Lake with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Marilyn Hildenbrandt; her son-in-law, Lyndy Rysedorph Jr. and her brother and sister-in-law, Edward (Carol) Lavender.

In addition to her husband Louis, Rowena is survived by her children, Terri Lavender, Glen (Hellen) Lavender and Cyndi (Dan) Walter. Her sister Kay Blain. She is the beloved grandmother of Raymond, Andrew (Carol), Beth, Heather (Richard) and Jennifer. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the entire staff in the critical care unit at the Albany Memorial Hospital for all of the care and compassion given to Rowena and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 in Rowena's memory.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday June 27, 2015 at 10:00 am at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will be Friday, June 26, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Memory Gardens, Colonie.