WILTON – Rosemary Nash Bowlby died in her sleep on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Farmington. Her husband of 35 years, Lew Colby, and her son Andy were with her. Rosemary had Alzheimer’s Disease and moved to the Sandy River Center one month before her death, after an advanced cancer was discovered.

She was born at the San Diego Naval Base on Dec, 27, 1941, shortly after the US entered WWII. Her father, Nicholas Nash, was stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Rosemary’s mother, Esther Hannigan Nash, a native of Lynn, Mass., established the family’s permanent residence in Farmington, Maine, where Ro spent her childhood. She returned to Farmington with her young son after a divorce. She joined Bass Shoe Company as a key member of its fledgling computer department. An avid and accomplished skier, she served in various capacities in the hospitality area of Sugarloaf.

In the early 80’s, Rosemary earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Maine at Farmington. She taught in Readfield, Mexico, and at Massabesic High School in Waterboro, from whence she retired in the mid 90’s.

Rosemary’s love of travel and history took her to all 50 states and to Scotland, England, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Hungary, and Russia. At home, she was a generous gift giver and a passionate gardener, delighting in her collection of irises. If you expressed admiration for a plant, a cutting was put right in a plastic bag for you to take along to your own garden. At Christmas time, any child who found themselves at Lew and Rosemary’s house was delighted to discover that Santa had anticipated their visit and had left a stocking full of toys and candy especially for them. She made beautiful homes to share with her extended family, including five children, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A memorial service honoring Rosemary’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday July 7, at Wiles Remembrance Center, 137

Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. Family member and friends are welcome to post comments or photos in Rosemary’s Nash Bowlby’s Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com.



L;Funeral Wiles

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