Rosemary Ronco

Rosemary graduated from Waterville High School, Class of 1958, where she was Salutatorian and a member of the National Honor Society—an early reflection of her intelligence that would mark her life.

Over the years, Rosemary built a reputation for dependable, hard-working service in every role she held. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Gardiner Town Manager, Statler Tissue, and Maine Pulp and Paper. After retiring, she continued working part-time at Hannaford in Gardiner as a Food Demo Specialist.

In June of 1960, Rosemary married James F. Ronco Jr. in Waterville, ME, and together they raised three children. With her husband, Jim, she also operated Ronco’s “The Bookworm” in Gardiner. Though they divorced in 1980, Rosemary’s devotion to her family remained constant, expressed in countless thoughtful gestures and in the way she made holidays feel special. Many will remember her with affection for her deviled eggs.

Rosemary found personal expression through writing poetry and painting watercolor paintings, pursuits that reflected her creative spirit. She was also a former parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gardiner. She also taught Sunday School at Holy Family Church, Leominster, MA.

Rosemary is predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Constance; her brothers, Raymond, Richard, Robert, Roland, and twins Ronald and Ruth, and her son, Mark, who passed in August, 1979.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa of Scarborough; her son Jason and husband Rick Perry of Falmouth; and many nieces and nephews.

Rosemary’s family would like to express deep gratitude and thanks for the compassionate care she received at Glenridge Long-Term Care.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24 from 2 PM to 4 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, ME, followed by a Funeral at 4 PM with a reception to follow. A Committal Service will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 11 AM at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville, ME.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to NAMI Maine, in memory of Mark Ronco, 52 Water Street, Suite B., Hallowell, ME 04347 or online at https://namimaine.org/donate/