Cover photo for Barbara Rowland's Obituary
Barbara Rowland Profile Photo
1952 Barbara 2025

Barbara Rowland

August 22, 1952 — January 18, 2025

In Loving Memory of Barbara Helen Rowland


Barbara Helen Rowland passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on January 18, 2025. She was born on August 22, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, to her late parents, Richard and Mary Jane Rowland. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Maude Cuchiara (Michael) and Ruth Baldwin (Colby); her cherished grandchildren, Lucca and Nicco Cuchiara, and Isla and Millie Wright; her loving sisters, Judy Herrick and Jane Rowland; her former spouse, Keith Baldwin; and numerous nieces and nephews.


Barbara spent her formative years in Virginia and California before attending the University of California, Davis. Initially drawn to a career in physical therapy—motivated by her summers as a lifeguard and her passion for staying active—she ultimately decided to pursue medicine during her senior year. In 1978, she graduated from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine as one of only 12 women in a class of 90.


After completing her residency in Santa Rosa, California, Barbara joined the U.S. Public Health Service. Her first work as a family physician was serving as the Medical Director at an Indian Health Service clinic on the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. She later continued her career with Piedmont Health Services in central North Carolina, initially working as a family doctor in Moncure. Barbara went on to serve as Medical Director of Piedmont for many years, caring for countless patients and helping to expand services. She was instrumental in establishing Piedmont’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), later serving as its director. Barbara retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate care and leadership.


Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and impeccable taste in gifts—many of her loved ones treasure the mixed Valentine’s Day CDs she thoughtfully curated. She had an enviable earring collection and a deep love for holiday decorating, especially Halloween. Her passion for gardening and drying flowers, her treasured pie crust recipe, and her unwavering dedication to caring for others will always be cherished.


Barbara had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in hiking, camping, and backpacking. Her adventures took her from the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite Valley to the rocky shores of Acadia National Park, and from the lush forests of Olympic National Park to the rugged peaks of Banff. She hiked hundreds of miles along the John Muir Trail in the Sierras, silently collecting “precious” rocks that made her pack heavier with each step. Yet, she always took the time to pause for a picture of a wildflower or two, fully immersing herself in the journey. These experiences brought her immense happiness, offering peace, challenge, and a deep connection to nature.


Barbara loved to read and enjoyed the camaraderie of her book club, the Red Robins, which she founded. She delighted in music and musicals, loved discovering the best restaurants and hidden gems in every city she visited, and had a special talent for looking up at the night sky and naming all the constellations.


Barbara, you are loved and will be missed dearly. This peanut M&M is for you.


The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 3:00PM at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens to honor Barbara's memory.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas at www.parkinsonassociation.org.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Rowland, please visit our flower store.

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