Theodora "Theo" Rowland

Theodora Katope “Theo” Rowland, 82, of Saegertown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at Meadville Medical Center on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Theo was born on May 14, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky. As a young child, she spent time living in Chicago, Illinois, and Fulton, Missouri, before moving to Saegertown during elementary school. While her father served as a visiting professor in Greece, Theo attended high school in both Thessaloniki and Athens before returning to the United States and graduating from Saegertown High School. She was accepted to Vanderbilt University and studied there before eventually returning home to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees from Edinboro University.

A lifelong educator, Theo spent more than 30 years teaching French in the Meadville area school system. A true Francophile, she loved sharing her passion for the French language and culture with her students, who in turn adored her. One of the highlights of her professional life was the opportunity to spend a sabbatical in Paris in the Spring of 1988 — an experience she deeply treasured.

Theo pursued many hobbies and interests throughout her life. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she was a cheerleader and basketball player in high school. Later, she enjoyed tennis, biking, and cross-country skiing, but her true athletic passion was golf, which she continued to play well into her seventies. Theo was also an avid reader who loved participating in book clubs and recommending titles to the Saegertown Library. She had a deep interest in both national and global politics and always stayed engaged with current events. She especially enjoyed traveling, cooking, hosting social gatherings, and spending time with family and friends. Above all, she cherished time with her granddaughters, who affectionately called her “Yaya,” which means "grandmother" in Greek.

Theo touched the lives of countless friends, family members, students, and colleagues throughout her lifetime. She was intelligent, cultured, warm, and generous, with a wonderful sense of humor and a love of laughter. The isolation of the COVID pandemic and subsequent health challenges caused her to withdraw somewhat in her later years, but those who knew Theo are left with warm memories of her kindness, curiosity, wit, and vibrant spirit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Theo is survived by her son, Mark Rowland, daughter-in-law, Sandra, and granddaughters, Allison and Megan, of Fairfield, Connecticut; as well as her brother, Christopher Katope, sister-in-law, Sharon, and nephew, Milen, of Buford, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Marjorie Katope, and by her eldest son, Michael Rowland.

A memorial service will be planned for later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Theo’s name to the Saegertown Public Library, PO Box 871, Saegertown, PA, 16433.

Arrangements by STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD ST., SAEGERTOWN, PA 16433.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com