Maryann Janet Berkins (Bosse)

Maryann Janet Berkins (Bosse), 78, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 15, 1947, in Nashua, the eldest child of Gerard “Jerry” Leo Bosse and Rachel Adrienne (Belanger). Maryann was raised on Nowell Street in a home built by her father, where she grew up in a lively household with her four younger sisters and two younger brothers. From an early age, she developed a strong sense of responsibility and compassion that remained central throughout her life.

Maryann began working at Sanders, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth “Ken” James Berkins. Their relationship was built on mutual encouragement and shared values. At Ken’s urging, Maryann earned her GED, and at her request, Ken quit smoking before they received the sacrament of marriage. The couple married on July 31, 1971, and shared 54 years of devoted partnership.

Together, Maryann and Ken built a life centered on family. Maryann became the mother of three children: Sandra, Keith, and Karen. Their first child, Sandra, passed away shortly after birth, a loss Maryann carried with her throughout her life.

Maryann took great joy in being a grandmother to Chloe, and the two shared a love of cooking and creativity. For the past 20 years, Maryann and Ken spent part of their winters on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida. During Chloe’s spring breaks, Chloe, along with Karen, Kevin, Keith, and other family members, would visit, creating many wonderful memories together.

Maryann and Ken were inseparable. They loved riding motorcycles and camping in the mountains with their lifelong friends, Carmen and Roland. These trips, filled with laughter, friendship, and freedom, became some of their most cherished memories.

A dedicated homemaker, Maryann was known for her exceptional cooking and baking. Her homemade spaghetti sauce and zucchini bread were favorites among family and friends. She took great pride in caring for her home and enjoyed helping Ken in the garden, often sharing the harvest with loved ones and neighbors.

Maryann was also a gifted artist, especially talented at painting people. She captured the likenesses of family members, friends, and individuals she met during her travels. Her artwork was featured in Nashua’s Art in the Park, where she received several ribbons recognizing her artistic talent. Her homemade cards were cherished by all. Maryann had a generous heart and loved giving back to others. She worked at the YMCA and then volunteered as a coach for the Special Olympics, encouraging and supporting athletes with the same warmth and enthusiasm she showed everyone in her life. All would remember her attendance in the yearly Penguin Plunge.

Her compassion extended deeply to animals. Over the years, she cared for several beloved cats; Peaches, Patches, and Stussy (“StewZ”). She also frequently rescued injured birds, squirrels, and even bats, patiently nursing them back to health. Knowing Maryann’s love for animals, Ken surprised her with an African Safari trip she cherished.

Maryann will be remembered as a woman of kindness, creativity, and deep, selfless devotion to others. She expressed her creativity through her artwork, a gift she passed on to her daughter and granddaughter. In addition to painting, Maryann was a talented cake baker who loved adding humor and creativity to celebrations, creating memorable cake themes and hosting epic birthday parties. She also had quite a collection of frogs that adorned the main bathroom, bringing smiles to everyone who saw them.

Family meant everything to Maryann, and she made sure everyone stayed connected. Even with many nieces and nephews, she made sure to attend every event and made those around her feel special and heard. She especially enjoyed watching her son race his motorcycle at Loudon Speedway.

Her love for family extended beyond her own children. Over the years, Maryann and Ken fostered children of all ages, providing them with a loving and safe home. Maryann believed strongly in personal growth, stood firmly in her Catholic faith, and poured her heart into the people and passions that defined her life.

Above all, many will remember her jokes and laughter. A joyful, unmistakable sound that could brighten a room and lift the spirits of everyone around her. Though she is no longer with us, Maryann’s kindness, warmth, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband Kenneth, Maryann is survived by her children Keith W. Berkins and his fiancé Kim Hand of Nashua and Karen Maillet and her husband Kevin of Merrimack; her granddaughter Chloe; her siblings Sylvia Adams, Celeste Martin and her husband Roland. And Robert Bosse and his wife Jamie; her brother-in-law Gene Brand; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter Sandra, and her siblings Diane Brand, Rita Brand, and Rene Bosse.

Family and friends are invited to Maryann’s visitation on Tuesday, March 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rochette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Her Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, March 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua. In lieu of flowers, donation scan be made to the Special Olympics in honor of Maryann. To leave an online condolence, story, or message, please visit www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com