MASTER SGT. ROSEMARIE LANE, U.S. ARMY RETIRED

SOUTH PARIS – Master Sgt. Rosemarie Lane, U.S. Army retired passed away peacefully Aug. 2, 2008, after a short but courageous battle with cancer, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, South Paris. She was born Oct. 11, 1944, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She entered the Women’s Army Corps, Oct. 31, 1963, at Fort McClellan, Ala., and retired at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1986, after 23 years of service, she moved to Maine. In the course of her career she held positions as section chief, squad leader, section sergeant, operations sergeant, drill sergeant, first sergeant and administrative supervisor. Her assignments included Fort Ritchie, Md., SHAPE HQ in Paris, and Beligum, William Beaumont General Hospital, El Paso, Texas, Fort Leonardwood, Mo., Vietnam, Fort McClellan, Ala., Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station, Cleveland, West Germany and Fort Bragg, N.C. Awards included the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal W/20LC, Army Achievement Medal W/1OLC, Good Conduct Medal 7th Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Armed Forces Honor Medal Second Class, Civic Action Medal Second Class and Drill Sergeant Badge. Master Sgt. Lane was a graduate of the Noncommissioned Officers Leadership School, Drill Sergeant School, Nuclear Biological and Chemical School and the First Sergeants Course. She also took courses with Maryland State University and Cadsden State Junior College. After her military career she worked for Day One Substance Abuse, Portland, and the Internal Revenue Service, Lewiston, where she retired in April 2008. She was an active life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Maine, having served as the Post No. 9459, District No. 9 and State Commander; she was, at the time of her death, holding a position on the VFW National Legislative Committee, and was always an advocate for all veterans. Her tireless efforts in protecting the rights of veterans and their dependents will always be remembered. She was also a member of American Legion Post No. 153, and several other organizations. She was predeceased by her mother, Catherine Lane; brothers, John and Philip Lane; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Oddo; and cousin, Anthony P. Oddo, KIA 1970, South Vietnam. She is survived by her godchild, Catherine Novak; nephews John, Michael and Richard Lane of New York; nieces, Annemarie Lane and Elizabeth Nelson of Arizona; an aunt, Fannie Spikoski and her husband, Edward; and cousins, Michael, Ed, Peter and Denise of New York and their families. Friends and caregivers, Jane Poulin, Anne P. Budris, Joan Hebert and Margaret Whirley of Maine and her extended VFW and LAVFW family nationwide. A special thanks to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home, South Paris, for all the care and support. At her request there will be no visitation. Graveside services will be held at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, Augusta, with a celebration of life at VFW Post No. 9459, Lisbon, in October. Time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240. Arrangements are under the direction of Weston-Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.westonchandler.com.