BANGOR, Maine — The mother of Gov. Paul LePage’s wife, Ann LePage, died Sunday at the age of 77.
Among those expressing condolences on Tuesday was Sen. Susan Collins.
“Rita DeRosby was a truly inspiring woman, always able to the humor in any situation, even as she dealt with a difficult, long-term illness,” Collins said.
“Rita participated in countless events in communities across our state over the years, demonstrating her deep love and loyalty to her family and her strong commitment to the people of Maine,” she said.
“My heart goes out to her daughter, Ann LePage, and the governor, as well as to all their family, as they mourn the loss of Ann’s beloved mother,” Collins said.
DeRosby lived her final years as a member of her daughter and son-in-law’s Blaine House household. She moved into the Blaine House, along with other family members, shortly after the governor was elected to his first four-year term.
In August 2014, DeRosby was among those on hand to witness Ann LePage’s 10,000 foot skydive during Fort Kent’s Freedom Fest celebration.