Marie-Anita Rose

Marie-Anita Rose of Endwell NY died at UHS Wilson Hospital on January 3rd after a long illness, surrounded by her children. Anita is predeceased by her parents, her brother Lucien and her former husband Joseph B. Rose. She is survived by her children Brian (Kirsten) Rose of Endwell NY and Christine (Andrew) Phillips of Westport CT, by her grandchildren Matthew and Meredith Rose, William, Aidan and Caroline Phillips, by her sisters Theresa Landry and Doris (Mel) Dutremble and by the many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews who were always so dear to her. Anita was born on June 23, 1939 in Old Orchard Beach ME, the daughter of Charles and Yvonne Huot. Anita and her brother and sisters grew up in Old Orchard, tending to family businesses ranging from an ice pond to operating Elmwood Motor Court, which welcomed families from Quebec and New England who enjoyed summering on the area’s beautiful beaches. A graduate of St Andre’s High School in Biddeford ME and Elms College in Chicopee MA, Anita taught several subjects, eventually settling in to become a beloved 4th grade teacher in Saco, ME. Always “Mrs. Rose” to the many former students who would recognize their favorite teacher decades later, Anita not only developed a nationally-recognized gifted and talented program, she was also noted for her ability to reach the most challenged students; her care and concern extended far beyond classroom walls. Forced to retire early due to a life-long respiratory illness, Anita surprised her doctors and family by maintaining an active lifestyle through a long retirement of travel with family and friends and “snow-birding” between Venice FL and her home in Maine. It seemed as if Anita convinced half of her hometown to winter in Venice FL with her. Anita served Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Saco, ME for many years and in many capacities. She even pursued theological studies and became an associate of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyon. Her other religion was Boston sports and she and her siblings rarely missed a chance to root for the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. Anita loved speaking not only her native French, but many languages. Her grandchildren, nieces and nephews will undoubtedly remember some phrase in another language courtesy of their “Memere”. Most of all, Anita will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, never accepting the limitations of illness and through the enduring love of her family and friends. The family would like to thank the caring staff at United Methodist Homes- Hilltop, the many doctors and nurses who cared for Anita over the last year and a half, Father Clarence and the community of the Church of the Holy Family and all the friends who made Anita’s transition to Greater Binghamton in the last months of her life a time of peace and comfort.
Services will be held in Saco Maine at a future date. Expressions of sympathy in Anita’s memory may be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier.