PITTSFIELD – Rosalie Alice Shaw, 87, passed away peacefully March 9, 2011, surrounded by family at a caring local health facility, after a long illness. Rosie was born Aug. 26, 1923, daughter of the late Harry Varnum and Mabel Burrill Varnum.
She was “big sister” to the late Kenneth H. Varnum and to Don Varnum. Rosie married the late Kenneth Harland Shaw Aug. 16, 1946, in Pittsfield. From rolling bandages for the Red Cross to many happy times at camp on Moose Pond with Ken, Rosie lived a long and full life. An accomplished seamstress, she also knit enough mittens to keep an army of small hands warm. Several large ones, too! A Maine Central Institute alumnus, avid gardener and Red Sox fan, Rosie will be remembered for her great sense of humor, positive outlook on life and the ability to look on the bright side, even under adversity.
Survivors include her brother, Don S. Varnum and his wife, Janet, of Bar Harbor; her sisters-in-law, Alice Patterson of Pittsfield, Ruby Shaw of Pittsfield, Carmille Reed of Maben, Miss., and Lena Davis of Sangerville; many special relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth H. Shaw; her parents, Mabel and Harry Varnum; and her brother, Kenneth H. Varnum. The family greatly appreciates the care Rosie received while at Sebasticook Valley Regional Hospital, Sebasticook Valley Health Care Facility and through Hospice of Eastern Maine. Thanks also go to Dr. Jennifer Diehl of Pittsfield.
A private family committal service will be held in the spring at Village Cemetery, Pittsfield. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Sebasticook Valley Hospital, 447 North Main St., Pittsfield, ME 04967, in Rosalie’s memory. Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit
www.shoreynichols.com.