Rowena Jean Brightbill, 90, peacefully passed away June 23, 2023.  Rowena was born in Lebanon, PA on August 18, 1932.  She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1950, was employed with Oldsmobile and was a leader for the Lebanon Beta Sigma Pi Sorority.

As a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church since moving to Virginia Beach, VA in 1973, Rowena was an avid volunteer as an assistant to the church, Luther Manor, Prayer Circle, Alter Guild, and many other committees, while raising three children.  She loved watching tennis, even to get up early for the 8:00 church services during the French Open and Wimbledon Championships and would stay up late to watch her favorite baseball player, Chris Taylor, play for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  She also loved playing bingo and conquering crossword puzzles, but she loved her many friends she made over many years most of all.  During her last years she cherished the many visits and telephone calls.

Rowena was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Sam.  Rowena is survived by children, Martine Brightbill Wolf, Stuart Brightbill (Debbie), and Paul Brightbill (Ken).  She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Andrew, and Olivia.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 23 at 1:00 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 3900 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452, followed by a reception at the church in the Fellowship Hall.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Memorial Fund here: https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/rowena-jean-brightbill/8093/.