Obituary of Rosemary Haskell

Blue Hill- Rosemary Eaton Haskell, 70, left with her angels to be gently carried to her sweetheart Almont, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Known to many as “Mama Rose”, she was pure love and light. She had plenty of room in her home and heart for everyone around her. She was a remarkable woman. A Mama Rose hug could melt all your worries away. We know the world will continue to be a better place because of her.

Rose was born on August 6, 1952 in Castine, Maine to Barbara and Llewellyn Eaton. She graduated from Stonington High School in 1970. She often shared fond memories of her classmates and has stayed in touch with many of them. After High School, she started working at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. She married the love of her life on November 18, 1972. While working, she attended Eastern Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. She drove her little VW Beetle back and forth to Bangor, trying to study on the way so she could finish school before the arrival of her first born. She had a tremendous work ethic, something she modeled for her kids and others. Her life’s work was centered around the Obstetrics Unit in Blue Hill. As an OB Nurse, Rose was there to welcome hundreds of babies into this world including each of her grandbabies. She was honored to be one of the first to embrace each baby. Her calm, steadfast demeanor put everyone at ease during labor and delivery. Known as an expert baby swaddler and skilled burper, she guided new parents and mentored nurses to find confidence in themselves and to trust their intuition. Rose’s family has heard many moving birth stories. She is considered a guardian angel to many.

After she retired from OB, she enjoyed working at the Island Nursing Home where she treated her patients like family. She loved “the island” and the people who live there. She also volunteered at the Free Community Health Clinic and loved seeing familiar faces of patients and staff. Caring for others was the foundation of her soul.

In addition to working full-time as a nurse and being a Mom, Rose was the heart and center of our family business, Haskell Electric, which she and Al started in 1975. This work is carried on with great pride by their Son Ryan, Granddaughter Megan, Daughter-in-Law Michelle and longtime employees who are like family- Andrew, Jeff, Matt, Everett and Terrence. If you ever called for service, Rose was likely the one to answer. In addition to scheduling electrical work, you probably had a chat about the weather, family or any number of other things. Whether you needed an outlet, generator or built a mansion on the water you were all her customers. She took a sincere interest in all people and was eager to help each of them.

Rose loved crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, loved a good scoop of ice cream (or two), got excited about a “new sock day” and enjoyed going for a car or boat ride with Al and the kids. Above all else, she cherished time with her grandchildren, Megan, Nicholas and Ella Rose. She had a keen sense of humor, was an unwavering optimist, tougher than nails when dealing with life’s challenges but remained thoughtful and diplomatic, she always looked for the best in people. She was blessed with many wonderful friends who were truly like family, each showing up for her and Almont at the perfect time. She loved telling stories and giggling with all her amazing coworkers. She loved camping with Richard and Wilda, making dinner with Belinda and Peter, enjoyed a chat with Ronnie and Genice at the Fair, exchanged stories and goodies with Jackie and Jerry, enjoyed a cocktail with Mary and Ronnie, chased after the kids with Shirley and Jim, played games and cards with Darrell, Jeanette, Kitty, Greg and Debbie. She always appreciated how Connie, Jimmy and Marg loved her kids like they were their own, loved talking with her cousin Pam, she enjoyed lunch or watching a movie with Julia while hearing about Owen, she loved chatting on the phone with Barbie and joking with Reggie, she cherished a heart-to-heart over a pizza with Diane and deep, meaningful discussions with her dear friends Vicki and Howard, especially in her final weeks. She valued the friends she connected with at Red Hat Society, TOPS and especially her Women’s Group- Judy, Shellie, Rosalie and Joyce that formed in 1989. She loved many, many other special cousins, friends and neighbors through the years.

Rose is survived by her family that adored her; son Ryan Almont Haskell, his wife Michelle and the light of her life- Granddaughter Megan; daughter Barbara Elizabeth Haskell, her wife Rhonda and beloved grandchildren Nicholas and Ella Rose; brother Michael Eaton and his wife Christine and their children Brian and Llew; brother Norman Eaton and his wife Judy and their children Daniel, Samantha and Justin; brother-in-law Christopher Martin and children, Andrea, Richard, Victoria, Danielle and Tanya; sister Luanne (Annie) Moore and her son Gregory; brother Virgil Eaton and his son Evan; nephew Russell Smith; sister-in-law Mary Ellen Andrews and her husband Keith; nephew Brent Andrews and his wife Kathy and their children Cole and Abby; niece Ellen Drew and her husband David. She was predeceased by her loving husband Almont T. Haskell, her parents Barbara and Llewellyn Eaton, sister Paula Martin, sister Lynnette Eaton and dear childhood friend Norene Joyce.

A very special thank you to Rose’s Sister, Luanne (Annie) Moore and those that supported her moving from Florida to Maine without question to care for her. This fulfilled her wishes of living her final days in her home. Also, a sincere thank you to Dr. Lisa Lesko and all the amazing staff at BHFM, Inpatient Care, Specialty Services, EMTs and Northern Light Palliative and Hospice Care who cared for her in ways that went above and beyond. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rosemary Haskell Memorial Scholarship Fund for a student pursuing the field of nursing, C/O Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Blue Hill, ME 04614 or online contributions to the Rosemary Haskell Memorial Scholarship Fund via https://gofund.me/6be5cd9a  

Please wear a comfy new pair of socks and join us for a Celebration of Rosemary’s Life held at 2:00pm, June 9th at the Congregational Church in Blue Hill. Officiated by Pastor Lisa Durkee. There will be an Ice Cream Social Reception to follow at Farmhouse Inn, 578 Pleasant Street, Blue Hill.

To attend online the Zoom memorial service link is   https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83215410852

Meeting ID: 832 1541 0852  Passcode:391436
To listen by phone: 1 646 558 8656 US