Obituary of Joyce B. Rose

Joyce Collins Rose, of Searmont, passed away quietly on October 25, 2022, at the age of 75, surrounded by her loving family at Waldo County General Hospital.

Joyce was born January 31, 1947, in Hope, Maine, the daughter of Maurice and Arlene Collins. She grew up in Appleton, and lived her whole life in Knox and Waldo Counties, except for a few years in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

While living in Parkersburg, she worked for a florist and learned the art of flower arranging. A few years after moving back to Searsmont, she opened her own flower shop, which she called Rose‘n Blooms, in Belfast. Joyce ran the shop for 8 years, sharing her love of flowers with Belfast and the surrounding area.

Joyce had a true passion for books and reading, which led her to write her own historical fiction novel, set in her hometown of Appleton. In 2018, the family self-published ‘Three Small Round Stones’. Holding her book in her hands so many years after writing it, was a thrill she said she’d never forget. While she was writing her novel in the late 1990s, she was a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Maine Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, and the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance associations.

Joyce loved gardening and for many years had lovely flower gardens and prosperous vegetable gardens. Her oldest grandchildren have fond memories of picking peas and digging potatoes with her.

Joyce was an excellent cook, and she especially enjoyed making her family's many favorites, including her spaghetti and meatballs, lasagne, ‘tv mix’, and many kinds of cookies, sweets, and fudge.

In her later years, reading became, even more, a part of her life when mobility issues kept her at home more often.

Joyce loved her family with all her heart, and it was always a joyous day for her when she could spend time with them. She adored her grandchildren and cherished their time together. Joyce had a special affection for her brother, Mark, who she considered her best friend and lived with her for the last couple of years of her life.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her husband, Lewis Rose, and her parents, Maurice and Arlene Collins. She is survived by her brother Donald Collins and wife Dot; brother Mark Collins; daughter Tammy Martz and husband Jerry; son Craig Grover and partner April Totman; daughter Mari Morgan and son John Rose; her grandchildren, Stephani Mavor, Joe Mavor and wife Stephanie, Jackson Grover, Samantha Grover, Erin Rose, Ethan Rose, and Evie Rose, as well as two great-granddaughters, Jordyn Mavor and Elliott Mavor. 

Joyce’s family wants to express their profound gratitude to Teresa Hall, her companion, and caregiver, who became her dear friend. Joyce was extremely appreciative and thankful for Teresa’s presence in her life. The family also wants to recognize the invaluable help and guidance provided by April Totman, especially during the last 6 months of Joyce’s life. The care and concern shown to her, and to the family, were such a gift that will never be forgotten. 

Per her request, a private graveside service and family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Joyce’s name to the Appleton Historical Society (2916 Sennebec Rd. Appleton. ME 048620 or the Appleton Library ( http://www.appletonlibraryme.org/home.html )

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com

 

 

 

 

 

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