Sharon Lynn Rowland is known to her family and friends as “Duff”.
After high school, Duhu’s grandfather encouraged her to join the military. She chose the United States Air Force. After a boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, Ms. Duhu was sent to Andrews Air Force Base, where she worked for NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Her knowledge of data processing made her a strong asset to NORAD, which is headquartered in Cheyenne Mountains outside Colorado Springs. The NORAD radar system is responsible for early warning strikes of missiles and aircraft flying over the United States and Canada.
After being discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Duff moved to the San Francisco suburb of Mill Valley, where he worked for McKesson, the nation’s largest medical device distributor.
An active outdoor enthusiast, Duhu traveled to the French Polynesian islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea), among others, after retirement. Then she headed to Arizona, where she embarked on an adventurous trip to enjoy whitewater rafting on the Colorado River via Grand Her Canyon National Park.
Living in Belem, one of her favorite activities is being an avid fan of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Over the years, she volunteered with her tracking squad, enjoying the early mornings, excited people, and always colorful balloons.
As a hobby, Duff traveled throughout New Mexico, photographing landscapes throughout Enchanted Land. She especially loved photographing birds and spent many hours of her carefree time in the Bosque Her Del She Apache, Bernardo and other wildlife habitats. She loved hummingbirds more than any other bird, and she regularly fed the little visitors and provided water for the birds’ baths in the spring and summer. She also collected Native American art and pottery.
Throughout his life, Duff faithfully hoisted the American flag in his home every day.
She was the leader of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church of Los Lunas, where she served for many years as Bishop’s Warden.
Sharon Lynn Rowland passed away on August 1, 2021 at the age of 79. Her Ms. Duff was honored by her friends, her family and church leaders at a ceremony at the Belem Veterans Memorial and a brick was laid in her honor. Her final resting place is at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
(Editor’s Note: Each month, the Belem Veterans Memorial Committee selects one Honorable Veteran from Valencia County.)
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