AYER: Phyllis Jane (Brice) Rowell, 79, of 18 Pond Street, the wife of a career military serviceman, died Sunday, April 8th at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston after a lengthy illness.

She was the widow of John H. Rowell who died in October 1993.

Mrs. Rowell was born in Cass, West Virginia, March 8, 1928, a daughter of George M. and Mary F. (Perkins) Brice and resided many years in the Ayer, Shirley and Fort Devens areas. She also resided in Melbourne, Florida for several years before retuning here in 2000.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Shirley.

Mrs. Rowell is survived by two sons; Anthony J. Rowell of Ayer, Timothy Rowell of New Ipswich, NH, three daughters; Sharon Depuy of Palm Bay, FL, Pamela Allen of Freeport, Texas, Phyllis Anne Tacoronte of Ocala, Florida, nine grandchildren; Tammy Shay, Joseph, Angela, Christina, Joe, Ryan, Michael, Heather, Rachel. She also leaves 3 great grandchildren and 3 nieces; Lucille Powers and Judy Wagner both of Maryland, and Sue Bolling of Tennessee.

A graveside service will be held 10 am Friday, April 13th at the Fort Devens Cemetery, Devens.

Calling hours are 2-4 Thursday, April 12th at the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, (Rte 2A) Ayer.