Rosa Burnell

CASCO — Rosa Marie (Smith) Burnell, 86, died, Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Casco after a stoic battle with multiple myeloma.

Rosa was born to Herbert Charles Smith and Grace (Fortier) Smith May 6, 1930, in Houlton. During her early years, she lived in Houlton, North Yarmouth and later moved to Scarborough. She attended Scarborough High School. On Nov. 21, 1948, she married Orland Fletcher Burnell Jr. in Fryeburg. They purchased their first home on Providence Street in Portland, where they raised eight children. She lived for many years in Portland’s East Deering section, prior to moving to Windham 10 years ago.

Rosa will always be remembered as a loving caregiver, who gladly helped anyone needing a hand. After raising eight children, she could be found helping in the nursery at church, and later caring for her mother-in-law and husband, as they became ill later in life. After moving to Windham, she would help care for those needing assistance during her stay at Unity Gardens. She was forever an optimist who, despite her declining health, was always able to look at the brighter side. Her strong faith and love of Jesus Christ were ever present in the way she lived her life and was a lifelong member of the North Deering Alliance Church. She, like her own mother, possessed a sense of humor that was infectious and will forever be a source of lasting memories for her family.

Her greatest joys in life were spending time with her family and enjoying the simpler things in life. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Rosa was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Fletcher, who died in 2004; by her parents, Grace and Hebert Smith; sisters, Anna Rogers, Elizabeth Triddle, Jean Batharas; and brothers, Larry Smith and Herbert Smith; as well as a grandson.

Surviving Rosa is her sister, Laura Dalrymple of Freeport; her nieces and nephews; her three daughters Katherine C. Johnson of South Casco, Susan E. Greene of Kennebunk and Patricia G. Burnell of Columbus, Ohio; her five sons, Steven D. of Gray; Michael T. of Windham, Daniel E. of Portland, David B. of Columbus, Ga. and Peter B. of Windham; and her most cherished 21 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, June 24, 2016, at A.T Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., interment will immediately follow at West Baldwin Cemetery, West Baldwin. To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com