Carmel Theresa (Girard) Rollins

Carmel Theresa Girard Rollins passed away on June 7, 2019  at her residence at the Thomas Plant Memorial Home . She died after a brief illness of several days surrounded by her loving family, friends and staff of the Home.

Carmel was born on October 12, 1926 in Brunswick to Rodolphe ("Babe") Girard and Rosa (Lachance) Girard.  She was one of 7 children and the oldest daughter. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Ernest W. Rollins; a beloved daughter in law, Linda M. Rollins; and her brothers, Bertrand and Roderick Girard. 

She was educated in local schools. She entered kindergarten at a one room school house and went on to attend St. John's Catholic School of Brunswick and then attended Brunswick High School, Class of 1943. While ice skating on the Androscoggin River, she met her future husband, Ernest W. Rollins. They were engaged in 1943. While he was in military service, Carmel worked at Wilson's Drug store and  said " I ate all the ice cream I wanted" !  Ice cream would remain a lifelong passion.  She and Ernest were married on June 5, 1946. For all of their married lives they lived in Brunswick and Topsham and within 3 miles of where Carmel was born. She was a lifelong and dedicated communicant of St. John’s Church where she often worked at the church bazaar. She worked long hours for the Evergreen Club where she acted as treasurer. She was for many years a valued employee of JJ Newberry and the Brunswick Mill Outlet. In their 60's, she and Grandpa were roller skating monitors at Roller World. Grandma, as she was fondly known by her family - was a dedicated sports fan. She and Ernest never missed a chance to go and cheer for their grandchildren at numerous athletic events. In her later years, she became a rabid Patriots fan and could be counted on to give Monday morning quarterback reviews of the weekend game. Tom Brady was a particular favorite of hers.  She would say "Why do they keep picking on that young man like that?”.  She was a consummate puzzle maker.  She and Ernest were often seen taking long walks even in snow and driving rainstorms. 

Carmel is survived by a large and loving family: son, Douglas Rollins (Bowdoin), daughter, Elaine Dysinger and husband Arthur (Freeport) and daughter, Robyn Crosman and husband Steve (Bath). One of her greatest joys and source of immense pride were her 8 grandchildren; Katherine Rollins and husband Joe (NY), Darcy Rollins Saas and husband Gerhard (MA), Laura Rollins Bryson and husband Matt (MA), Robert Dysinger (Freeport), Mark Dysinger  and wife Anne (CT), and Scot Dysinger and wife Frances (Portland), Lt. Col Matthew Crosman and wife Bernadette (MT) and Kevin Crosman, Esq and wife Erin (Phippsburg). In addition, Grandma is survived by 13 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Of special note is that she also leaves behind her beloved sister, Rollande Fortin and husband Richard (Brunswick) and special lifelong friends Sue and Ray Dube (Brunswick)

Carmel's family would like to acknowledge the incredible support and friendship of the residents and staff of the Thomas Plant Memorial Home of Bath, which was her home for the last four years .We would also like to thank and acknowledge the support and care given to all the family by the Beacon Hospice of South Portland.

Visiting hours will be held at the Demers-Desmond Funeral Home, 34 Cushing Street on Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 3:00 – 7:00pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 11:00am at All Saints Parish, St. John the Baptist Church, Brunswick.  A private internment service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carmel's memory to :

Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center. 22 Bramhall, Street, Portland Maine 04102

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com

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