Rosemary Louise Fecteau Ph.D.

North Yarmouth- Rosemary L. Fecteau, PhD, 93, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024. Born in Niagara, WI, eldest of the late Andrew & Julia Waitrovich of Hartshorne, OK and sister to Patricia Brennan and Ray Waitovich. Rosemary and Jack Fecteau raised 6 children in 7 different states. In 1973, they moved to their dream property in Maine, Serendipity Acres, and raised multiple farm animals & vegetables. While raising her children, she was awarded a BA in 1974 and 2 Masters degrees in 1976 & 1979 in Education. Rosemary was instrumental in starting the special education program at William H. Rowe school in Yarmouth. Later, she became the Director of Special Education in Wells and Topsham. Her mission was to help and provide the best services to children with learning disabilities. After her husband Jack’s passing in 1994, she received her doctorate in Education Administration in 1999 and wrote a book in 2004 “Discover the Key to Equal Educational Opportunity: Follow the Path of Education Legislation, The State of Maine Provides a Progressive Paradigm” which she mailed to every superintendent and legislator in Maine. In 2005, she joined her youngest daughter, Anne-Marie, as a Realtor. She was licensed and actively looking to help others find the perfect home up until her passing. This brought her great joy.

Her earlier years were filled with her artistic talents as a singer, model, seamstress and piano player. She produced a 45 album with 2 other friends. She enjoyed sewing outfits for herself & daughters. She played the piano and organ at her church and performed Christmas carols at our family gatherings. She was a devoted Catholic and active member of the church over the years. She and her husband Jack participated each year in marriage encounter retreats.

Rosemary had a special way of seeing life. Her child-like awe of the beauty around her in nature and others was remarkable. She was an inspiration to many of her children's friends and those that met her as she swam laps in the pool, cross country skied or ice skated into her later years. Teaching us all how to embrace life to the fullest. She was your cheerleader and advisor. Rosemary and Jack welcomed 2 foster children into their home, in addition to their own 6 children, along with an Iranian man. She truly had a determination to excel in anything she did.

She had a passion for family, gardening, playing cards, political & community involvement, education and Judge Judy! She loved to dance, especially to polka music at her many family gatherings. Family, near and far, was her greatest gift. She was a true matriarch!

Rosemary was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Jack, Sr., and her daughter, Julienne M. Barnett (Joel Thomas). She is survived by her children Michele A. Fecteau, D.O. (Dr. Carl Osborn), Gervaise M. Flynn (Brian), Jack R. Fecteau, Jr., Andrew J. Fecteau (Kathy O’Hara)) & Anne-Marie McKenzie (Steve Patch); 12 grandchildren: Anna & Tyrone Barnett, Erica Osborn Jacobson, Andrew & Elizabeth Flynn, Jared, Justin & Hannah Fecteau, Julia, Jack & Paul Fecteau, Elena McKenzie and all her beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10 am on August 2, 2024, at Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth followed by a reception at Amvets Hall in Yarmouth.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to https://foundation51.org or specialolympics.org.

Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to sign Rosemary’s online guest book.