Nina Pauline was born the baby of the family to Hazel and Troy Smith on June 21, 1942 in Worthington, Kentucky. She grew up in a loving family with her parents and three siblings, as well as extended family and friends. After her high school graduation she became pen pals with a young Air Force soldier from a few towns over who was attending training in another state. Through their frequent letters they had an instant rapport, which was cemented as love when they met during his two week leave, spending every day of it together. Nina married Louis Rowe on April 18, 1961, ten months after their first letter was sent.
Throughout the years, Nina managed the household while Louis served in the military for twenty years, including three deployments which had them on opposite sides of the world. During that time, both together and apart, they raised three children. Dona was born while Louis was in Okinawa for an extended period of time, so Nina took many pictures–which wasn’t easy to do in those days–and kept the new dad up to date on their growing daughter through letters. Between the births of daughter, Theodosia, and son, Robert, Louis was in Vietnam. At home, a nervous Nina was urged by her parents to avoid the news broadcasts regarding the war. The final separation of the family took place when Louis was stationed in Iran, landing Nina back in her home state of Kentucky with the children. During each of these times apart, Nina would write to her husband every day and she received as many letters from her “pen pal” in return.
Along with caring for her family, Nina would care for others through volunteering in numerous ways. She enjoyed the ability to travel that being a military wife offered, visiting Paris, Berlin, Munich, Washington D.C., Florida, and various other places, little and big. Crafting was a fun pastime for Nina, from scrapbooking to color pencil advanced coloring.
Nina’s biggest passion was for her family. She welcomed everyone who joined the family with open arms, whether born into it or loved into it. First, of course, was the love of her life, Louis Rowe, who she adored above all others, followed by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Throughout all the generations of the family, they each always knew that Nina or Mom or Grandma or Grammy-Great loved them so very, very much.
Nina passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. Cherished wife of Louis Rowe. Beloved mother of Dona (Tony) Burger, Theodosia Widdicombe, and Robert (Linda) Rowe. Grandma to Anthony (Amanda) Burger, Nicholas Burger, Aaron Rowe, Michael (Tara) Burger, Nina Pry, Nathaniel (Jessica) Burger, Zachary (Lauren) Widdicombe, Kathryn (Erika) Burger, Hillary Rowe, Cassandra Burger, and Joshua Widdicombe. Grammy-Great to Myra, Willow, Amir, Spencer, Nora, Cayden, Chase, Nicholas Jr., Wyatt, Bentley, Peter, Camille, and the late C.J.
Daughter of the late Troy and Hazel Smith (nee Truitt). Sister of Judith (Charles) Hall, the late Helen (Albert) Hacker, and the late Joseph (survived by Sandy) Smith.
Nina will be interred at Jefferson Barracks cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of memorials, please hug someone, or everyone, you love.
We are so sorry to hear of Nina’s passing. We hope your family will find comfort in this difficult time.
I am so sorry for the loss of Aunt Nina. I will always miss her. She was always there when I needed to talk. She was my mother when my mother passed. I would love to be there to say goodbye. But I live so far away. But I will keep her in my heart I love you Aunt Nina, RIP. ♥️🙏