St. Marys Museum partnering with Stonetown Grans for benefit event

St. Marys resident will discuss experience working with England’s royal family  

How did a 17 year-old woman from London, Ontario, find herself working for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace? The answer to this fascinating question will be revealed at a benefit event that is being hosted by the St. Marys Museum and the Stonetown Grans on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Downstairs, Upstairs: Life with the Royals and Beyond is a lively presentation by St. Marys resident, Jean Alice Rowcliffe. The title refers to Rowcliffe’s rise from a “downstairs” position in dining services at Buckingham Palace, to an “upstairs” role as a nursery nurse for Their Royal Highnesses, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent in Kensington Palace. It also explores how Rowcliffe’s training and experience in England led her to become an essential support to the households of Danielle Steel, Arianna Huffington and many others.

Rowcliffe has always been committed to families. In 2007, Rowcliffe founded and became Executive Director of The Village Well, a community resource centre in San Francisco. Her work in California included sharing stories, music and art with families living in homeless shelters.

Personal tragedy struck Rowcliffe when she lost her beloved teenage son James to a rare form of cancer. While healing from that deep loss, Rowcliffe came back to London, Ontario, to be with her mother in her final years. During this time, she wroteThe Last Tear, a memoir about her son’s life and death and her own healing. The book will be available to purchase at the benefit event.

Rowcliffe’s captivating presentation will be held at the Town Hall auditorium, which is accessible. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door (if still available). They can be purchased at the St. Marys Museum, The Flower Shop and More or from a Stonetown Grans member. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the event. There will also be an auction for “Tea for Six” at Rowcliffe’s lovely St. Marys home.

For more information, please contact the St. Marys Museum at 519-284-3556 or museum@town.stmarys.on.ca.   

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Contact

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca