Chloë Ann LaPointe Dawson Rowles

Born Chloë Ann La Pointe on Sept 13, 1939 in Marquette, Michigan to her parents Grazia Joanna Hunt and Leo LaPointe, under modest beginnings, Chloë would come to embrace a life filled with faith, wisdom, generosity, and love.
Raised by her stepfather, John “Skee” Dawson, as if she was his own, she enjoyed her youth living in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Chloe would soon become an older sister to her younger brother, Matthew Dawson (now deceased, husband to Carolyn Dawson of Arizona), and later welcomed another younger brother, Daniel Nascimento (husband to Sande Nascimento of San Antonio, Texas). Chloe graduated in 1958 from Waterford Township high school in Michigan and soon moved to Houston, Texas in that same year.
In 1960, she met the love of her life and on November 14, 1961 she and R. Patrick Rowles eloped and together built a storied life of love and kindness. Chloe was a lifetime learner and got her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston in 1971. She then worked as a social worker for the State of Texas and even worked as an operator and an executive secretary for Southwestern Bell. She and Pat never had children of their own but early in their marriage they took in her younger brother Danny when he was a teen and she is survived by so many loving nieces and nephews in both Arizona and Texas  (as well as their own children). She also held a fondness for her long lost cousins living in the Pacific Northwest.
Pat and Chloe lived in Galveston for much of their life surrounded by dear friends and in 1980 they purchased a small farm outside of Shiner, Texas where their german shepherd Rolo, and, later, Major would run free. And whether it was a million bread rolls at Thanksgiving, a gifted cooler full of sausages from Pateks, a homemade milkshake in a metal tumbler, or just playing a game of cards—you felt loved. When Pat and Chloe celebrated any occasion they brought extra touches of food, decor, and whimsy to the experience. That’s what made Chloë and Pat seem magical. And their farm became a place of refuge, love, and laughter—the feeling that simply transformed your perspective into one of gratitude and joy.
Chloe had a unique love for music—keltic hymns, classic doowop hits, country western stars, and more. Her time as a young adult was spent in the early Houston Jazz scene and she would tell you she was one of the earlier Elvis Presley fans. She even learned to play the dulcimer and would play tunes in the front room of the farmhouse on occasion.
And for any occasion that permitted, she and Pat would dance together. They loved following their favorite musicians throughout Texas including early Pat Green performances, weekend dancehalls with Bill Pekar, or a classic show from the Shiner Hobo Band. Pat and Chloe’s song was “Faded Love” by Patsy Cline and every concert, from the big stage at Oktober fest to the intimate dance floors of every cowboy bar in East Texas, was an unforgettable past time for Chloe and Pat to be together.
Really, any chance to celebrate, to attend a concert, an art show, or to just play “Ted and Tille Tourist” was a cherished moment for her to spend it with the love of her life by her side. They loved to travel even if it was a quick trip to Santa Fe or New Orleans but Chloe certainly never forgot her trip to Ireland with Pat.
A true savant in so many regards, Chloë had a rarified talent and passion for horticulture as well. She was a certified master gardener, a member of the Herbal Society of America (South Texas Unit), and could tell you the genus of any species of plant growing in her beloved gardens or bottled up in her cupboards.
Her passion for cooking was unmatched as well (and was likely due in part to her familiarity with plants—how they smelled and how they melded with other flavors in the kitchen). She was quite the gourmet cook, had a never ending collection of cookbooks, and would never allow you to pair a steak with anything but a red wine. Even a simple grilled cheese was suddenly gourmet yet everything she cooked up seemed to come about with ease. Her love for fine dining would take you to the most upscale oyster bars along the coast but at the same time she would never turn down a trip to Friday’s or a seat at her favorite table at Kloesel’s.
A consummate shopper, Chloe had a sense of style and fashion all her own. In later years, she was definitely into the comfortable and classic looks but earlier on she had a style that had the perfect combination of electic and classic. And it was not uncommon to find her dressed in all black from head to toe or wearing a large sweater or elaborate coat.
She touted about taking a watercolor painting class when she was in Galveston. One of her favorite movies was Secretariat and she loved poetry. And Chloe certainly enjoyed playing card games and board games—in her later years, she had a great poker face for countless games of Texas Hold ‘em. It wasn’t unusual to catch her playing dominoes at Howard’s but porch sitting with her cats was certainly a nightly event with her dear friend Carole.
A cherished moment indeed, her niece recalled how she loved sitting on the porch and watching Chloe call cats to her like magic. She knew each and every cat and which mom they belonged to and which ones would allow strangers to pet them. She loved all animals but her way with cats was mesmerizing.
Chloe always spoke with a strong, confident voice. She had compassion for every creature she encountered, and she had a laugh that was highly contagious. Generosity was a first reaction to any situation, and humor was always welcomed. Her example of how to show up in style truly imprinted on the young minds who had the privilege of knowing her (and Pat). Some of the greatest memories were tied to how “Aunt Chloë” made you feel. The faint smell of the farm permeating in the Christmas cards and the birthday cards and the magazine article cut-outs she would send in the mail became a welcoming pixie-dust reminder that you were loved.
How can we begin to express the different emotions, countless interactions, and blessings that we have had over so many decades? Chloe and Pat’s absence is felt deeply, but the spirit of their lives will echo through the hearts of those they loved. Chloe did so much for so many; we were all grateful to have her and she had spent her last few months living with her younger brother Danny where he and Sande were able to care for her as only family could.
She came into this world and found love, she demonstrated love for so many who needed it, she left this world in peace surrounded by love, and Chloe is now reunited with her one true love, the undeniable love of her life, Patrick Rowles. Chloe, we indeed love you so much and we will miss so much about your presence, more and more, everyday.

“It was in the springtime that you said goodbye.

I remember our faded love.

I miss you darlin’ more and more everyday

As heaven would miss the stars above

With every heartbeat, I still think of you

And remember our faded love.”

Arrangements by Thiele Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum. 361-293-5656.