Annie Rowan, a cook for many wealthy Chicago and Lake Forest families, died Monday in the Resurrection Health Center in Park Ridge at age 103. Miss Rowan was a skilled food preparer, cooking for wealthy families and Catholic parish rectories such as St. Andrew’s Church and Our Lady of Mercy Church. She volunteered at various organizations even past her 100th birthday. Born in Doolough Geesala, County Mayo, Ireland, Miss Rowan came to Chicago in 1926. Family was important to her and she connected her shared family history throughout four generations, which were scattered across Ireland, U.S., Saudi Arabia and England, up to her retirement days. She is survived by 12 nieces and nephews; 32 great-nieces and nephews; and 18 great-great nieces and nephews. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Luke Church, 7600 W. Lake St., River Forest.
