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ROTTERDAM
Vigil held as a farewell to ‘BMX mom’
Joan Parow cited as inspiration for group of bike racers
BY JASON SUBIK Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Jason Subik at 212-6223 or jsubik@dailygazette.net.

    Members of the Tri-City BMX community held a candlelight vigil Friday night to pay tribute to the passing of a “BMX mom.”
    Joan Elizabeth Parow, 44, of Niskayuna, died at her home Thursday after battling breast cancer for 10 years. Her husband, Kenneth Parow, is the president of Tri-City BMX, the not-for-profit group that operates the racetrack on Burdeck Street. Her sons Kenny and Andrew are nationally ranked amateur BMX bike riders.
    The candlelight vigil featured members of the Tri-City BMX community giving speeches about Joan and the Parow family. Approximately 50 people attended the event.
    The Parows began their association with BMX in 2008. Despite her illness Joan became a beloved fi xture of the community.
    “Joan was always the one with a smile on her face. She was out rooting for the kids. She was always so positive and looked for the good in everything,” said Claudia Nilsen, secretary for the Tri-City BMX.
    Kenneth Parow attended the vigil and thanked the people who came to honor his wife. .................>>>>...................>>>>........................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01701&AppName=1