Rose Annette Melanson

SANFORD--Rose A. (Doiron) Melanson, 98, of Sanford, ME, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2024 in Sanford. Rose was born on September 18th, 1925, to Mr. Stanislas and Mrs. Marie Anne (Guillemette) Belanger in Sanford, ME. Growing up with eight siblings, her fond childhood memories included playing the card game Hands and Foot and attending the local Catholic school, which shaped her strong faith. A hard worker from an early age, she began employment at the woolen mill in Manchester, NH, before moving on to Jagger Mills in Sanford, ME, and eventually working at the shoe shop in Dover, NH. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish. With her first husband, Mr. Omer Doiron, Rose raised two cherished children, Doris Richard and Donald Doiron and his wife Marina. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother who took great pride in her family, including her five grandchildren: Christine Boucher, Missy Desrochers, Michael Richard, Shawn Doiron, and Joshua Doiron. Rose cherished the many years she was blessed with her growing family, always opening her home and arms to them when they needed her. Her loved ones will treasure the memory of her homemade butterscotch haystacks and fiery spirit—often sparked by her first husband’s constant teasing. An expert in crafting and crocheting, Rose’s hands were rarely still. She was known for crocheting beautiful Afghan blankets and cozy slippers for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who delighted in sliding across the floors each Christmas. She loved crafting and always had a project going, even hand-painting her very own nativity scene, a fixture in her home each Christmas season. Her great-grandchildren, nine in total, fondly recall the Halloween garage parties hosted by Rose and her sister Irene, and the lively Skip-Bo nights that brought everyone together around the dining room table. She was also blessed with four great-great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory. Rose was predeceased by her parents, her five brothers—Leo, Gerard, Emile, Henry, and Roland Belanger—as well as her beloved husbands, Omer Doiron and Mike Melanson. She is survived by her two sisters, Irene Melanson and Lorraine Thibodeau, one brother, Raymond Belanger, her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Rose lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by her friends and family. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering support have been, and will continue to be, celebrated for many generations to come. Thank you, Mom and Memere Rose, and well wishes as you reunite with those who have gone before you. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday September 13 at St. Therese of Lisieux, Holy Family Church. Burial will be in the Saint Ignatius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wentworth Hospice Care at 9 Andrews Road, Somersworth, NH 03878. Special Instructions: Checks must be made payable to the Amedisys Foundation and mailed to the office address above.