Rose Stocker

Rose Evelyn McLaughlin Stocker "The Lunch Lady" Exeter, ME

In the early morning hours of February 13, 2025 our dear Rose, passed peacefully at a Bangor Hospital, after a long battle with many illnesses. Rose was born to Gertrude (Black) and Arthur Frisby McLaughlin on July 11th, 1948 in Winterport Maine. She graduated from Dexter High School and Beal College. On November 1st 1969, she married Richard Stocker. They welcomed one son, Richard Jr., the following year. Soon after, they built their home in Exeter and have been there ever since. When Rick was old enough for school, Rose went to work for the school lunch program. For many years she served the students in Garland and then Dexter Schools. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she loved to be in the nursery and in the kitchen. She was known for her famous biscuits. She loved to cook for a crowd and was very good at it, but cooking for two was a challenge.

Rosie, as she was known to many who loved her, was an animal lover. She loved her fur grandkids dearly. She was an avid knitter, making blankets, sweaters and thousands of dishcloths over the years. She was a devoted wife, always helping Richard with any task at hand. She could be found in the garden, splitting wood, or helping him with the many crafts they were known for. She was a proud supporter of her son's involvement in the Dexter Fire Department, and could always be found in the front row of the annual FD auction. She was first in line for a fresh squeezed lemonade from the auxiliary. She loved spending time with family, both the Crowleys (who she considered her own kids) and the Weymouths at their camp or Christmas Eve Ice Cream Socials. Family gatherings found her helping in the kitchen, and when she could no longer manage to help, she was always nearby with her favorite cup of unsweetened ice tea.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Robert McLauglin and sister in law, Fran; sister, Anne Crowley and brother-in-law, Edward; brothers-in-law, Robert Campbell and Eugene Stocker. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard, and their dog, Justice; her son, Richard Jr. and his wife, LeAnn; her sister, Sally Campbell; and sister-in-law, Mildred Stocker; and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

"It took a miracle to put the stars in place It took a miracle to hang the world in space; But when He saved my soul cleansed and made me whole It took a miracle of love and grace..."

A celebration of life is being planned for June 21st 2025. The Family will provide more information as it becomes available.

Gifts in Rose's memory may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, ℅ Hospitality Committee, 130 Spring Street, Dexter ME 04930