SEARSPORT – Rosemary A. (Phillips) Rowell, 74, beloved wife of Richard E. Rowell died peacefully April 20, 2005, at their home in Searsport following a three-year struggle with bone marrow fibrosis which recently progressed to acute leukemia. Rosemary was born Aug. 12, 1930, in Brewer, the daughter of Frank and Virginia (Washburn) Phillips. Rosemary and Richard married on Jan. 6, 1951 in Bangor. Rosemary celebrated and shred life not only with her family and dear friends but through her joy of gardening, singing, playing the piano and sewing. She used her talents to create collectible china dolls, hundreds of soft dolls and animals, quilts and wall hangings which she gave to family members, friends and for church activities. Rosemary’s most recent and last two dolls were made with love for her new great-grandchildren. Rosemary had been a member of the Central Baptist Church choir for 17 years while residing in Westfield, Mass. She was a member of the Searsport Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship for the past 14 years and a member of the Belfast United Methodist Church in recent years. She sincerely valued the fellowship and friendships that developed from these associations of faith. Rosemary was a devoted and loving wife and mother who is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Deborah Frasco of Searsport; daughter, Sandra Rozum and husband, Dennis, of Chesterfield, Va., daughter, Patty Smith and husband, Stephen, of Richmond, Va.; son, Richard A. Rowell and wife, Sue, and grandson, Ricky Rowell of Bucksport. Rosemary is also survived by grandson, Anthony Frasco, his wife, Lisa, and infant great-grandson, Nicholas, of Berlin, Conn.; and grandson, Aaron Frasco, his wife, Chrissy and infant great-granddaughter, Carolana, of Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Rosemary was the sixth child in a family of 10 children and is survived by three brothers and five sisters, Carroll Phillips of Warkworth, New Zwealand, Geneva Stearns of Groton, Conn., Raymond Phillips of Old Town, Jeanne Buzenski of New London, Conn., Betty Tozier of Summerfield, Fla., Sally Lamb of Groton, Conn., Gary Phillips of Groton, Conn., and Donna Thompson of Brewster, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Marion G. Rowell of Penobscot; and many nieces and nephews. In the three years that Rosemary had been living with illness there were many people who provided her with comfort and support for which we are very grateful. The family particularly wishes to express thanks and gratitude to nurses Sue, Brenda, Denise, Linda and secretary Rachel of the Waldo County General Hospital Oncology Clinic, for their capable medical support, comfort and warm friendship. In her final weeks Rosemary often expressed how fortunate she was to be able to remain in her home until she died. Special thanks are extended to nurses Susan and Katie and health aide Wanda of Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice who proved Rosemary with comfort and support during her last months. A memorial service celebrating Rosemary’s life will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2005, at the Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane, Belfast, with Pastor David Abbott officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Belfast United Methodist Church, Sanctuary Fund, 23 Mill Lane, Belfast, ME 04915; or to the Waldo County General Hospital, 118 Northport Ave., Belfast, ME 04915. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden, at a later date. Arrangements are by Foley Funeral Service, Bangor.
ROSEMARY A. (PHILLIPS) ROWELL
