Rowan Mender Gately, 91, of New York Mills, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, New Hartford. Rowan was born in Utica on January 18, 1918, the daughter of Sam and Eva (Heider) Mender. She was raised and educated locally. On February 20, 1941, Rowan married George E. Gately. Mr. Gately passed away in 1998. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Utica. Rowan is survived by a niece, Sharon Mender, Liverpool; a nephew and his wife, George and Karen Mender, Utica; six great nieces and great nephews, Stephen Mender and family, Frankfort, Lori Coleman and family, Holland Patent, Richard Aboussleman and family, Michigan, Jennifer Stellavato and family, Las Vegas, Nevada, Karl Kempf, Syracuse, Tara Kempf, Syracuse, and a cousin, June Heider-Bisson, Liverpool. She is predeceased by two brothers, Louis and Edward Mender. Mrs. Gately's funeral will be held Monday, April 27, 2009 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, New Hartford, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum, Utica. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. In keeping with Rowan's wishes, there are no public calling hours. Donations in Rowan's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in her memory.