Published in the October 13, 2017 edition

WESTFORD — Rosemary A. (Donohue) Hanson, of Westford, died peacefully on October 7, 2017 at the age of 78.  Rosemary was born in Melrose on September 8, 1939 to Francis and Rosemary Donohue.  She was the eldest of twelve children, and maintained a close and loving bond with her siblings throughout her life. Rosemary was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1957, then worked as a bookkeeper for her father’s business for numerous years.  She moved to Westford with her husband and three children in the 1970s, where she resided for most of her life.

Rosemary worked as the Editor-in-Chief of the Westford Eagle newspaper for many years until leaving to move to Europe for a few years, eventually returning to Westford.  She traveled extensively throughout Europe, and visited almost every state in the United States, but she especially loved to travel to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. Rosemary was an avid reader, an excellent writer, and she loved music, playing her favorite songs on her piano, a love she shared with her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was the loving wife of Ronald W. Hanson of Westford for 24 years. Former wife of 25 years to Frederick A. Laskey.  Devoted mother of Rosemary Baia and her husband Edward of Ogunquit, Maine, Darrin Laskey of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Monica Laskey-Rigrod and her husband Pierce of Hancock, New Hampshire. Proud grandmother of Rachel, Alex, Isabelle, and Olivia, and great-grandmother of Jack.

Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, October 12 from 4 -7 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose.  Funeral Procession from Gately Funeral Home on Friday, October 13, at 9 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.