SACO – Rosemary Fettinger Worth was peacefully called to her final resting place on May 9, 2023. She was surrounded in her waning days by members of her adoring family, where everyone’s presence was a profoundly meaningful gift.

Rosemary was born in Newark, N.J. on July 1, 1930.

She was predeceased by her parents Edwin Forrest Fettinger and Louise Ford Fettinger; sister, Edith Fettinger Williams, brother, Theodore Ford Fettinger, who was killed in World War II; infant great-grandson, Gio Asa Aurigemma; and her husband, Donn Hamilton Worth, who died in 2006 after 52 years of marriage.

Rosemary spent her early childhood in Maplewood, N.J., and moved to Saco with her mother and sister following the sudden death of her father. She attended Thornton Academy and graduated from Kents Hill School in Maine. She graduated from Wheelock College in Boston, Mass., which led to a rewarding career as an early childhood educator. For 22 years she served as the Director of the Avon Community Nursery School in Avon, Conn. where she instilled a love of learning in countless children.

Rosemary and Donn were classmates at Kents Hill School, and reunited after college. They settled in Canton, Conn. to raise their four daughters. Nothing meant more to Rosemary than her “girls”, her many dear friends, wonderful sons-in-law, and large extended family. Rosemary was the common thread, stringing together deeply rooted traditions from one generation to the next. She kept family connections alive and meaningful, which the family holds dear. She was involved in numerous community activities, and was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church of Canton Center for over 40 years. One of the most meaningful gifts to her church was the establishment of a Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Following Donn’s death, Rosemary returned to Saco. She settled into the Atlantic Heights community, where she established new friendships and rekindled old ones. She embraced the beauty and comfort of her home near the sea, late afternoons on the beach, and especially numerous visits from family and friends. Dogs were unconditionally welcomed with a bounty of treats and loving affection. Gardening, attending classical music concerts, knitting, reading, entertaining and maintaining enduring friendships with many wonderful people were among the most cherished activities throughout her life. Rosemary was also fortunate to reconnect later in life with long time friend, Jim Sterling. They shared five happy years together until his death in 2016.

Rosemary was an active member of First Parish Congregational Church in Saco. She took great pride in her volunteer work in the wider community, including support for the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union and the Ocean Park Association. Having spent many summers in Ocean Park, she never missed an opportunity to savor a root beer float or her favorite ice cream at the Soda Fountain.

The seeds of Rosemary’s gifts are scattered far and wide – she touched the lives of many for nearly 93 years. She will be deeply missed by her four loving daughters and sons-in-law who survive her, Gail Merchant (Ken), Kate Hoffman (John), Pam Russell (Don), and Sarah LeGeyt (Matt). She also leaves 11 beloved grandchildren, Abbidee, Madelyn, Andrew, Sarah, Christopher, David, Libby, Ted, Sam, Emily and Katie; nine beautiful great-grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.

Rosemary’s family is extremely grateful for the loving care she received from the dedicated staff at The Inn at Atlantic Heights. The family also wishes to extend gratitude to the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough for their special care of Rosemary during her final days.

A celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held at First Parish Congregational Church in Saco at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 with a reception to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Dennett, Craig and Pate in Saco.

Memorial gifts in honor of Rosemary may be made to:

St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital,

501 St. Jude Place,

Memphis, TN, 38105 or

Ocean Park Association,

P.O. Box 7296,

Ocean Park, ME 04063

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