Rosanna "Roma" M. Dearness

Rosanna "Roma" M. Dearness joins her mother in peace August 21, 2021, passing quietly, surrounded by the loving staff of Vero Health Center in Worcester, Ma. Roma and her mother, "Nan", were an inseparable pair. Roma was a devoted, loyal and respectful daughter. The bond between mother and daughter and the love they shared was extraordinary. There was never a cross word between them. They made their home together in Littleton, Massachusetts, where Roma cared for her mother for over a decade, until the mother's death when Roma relocated to Shrewsbury, Ma.

Born and educated in Scotland, and emigrating to the United States as a young woman, Roma had a rich and colorful career in business administration and hospitality. She worked directly in the service of the late Winston Churchill at 10 Downing Street in London. In the United States she demonstrated excellent skills in organizing offices and support systems for a variety of organizations, including the Harvard Business School and the Best Western Hotel.

Roma was well informed about global events and international politics. A conversation with Roma was always enlightening. She had an ability to succinctly analyze and comment about many aspects of complicated issues.

Roma was a trusted, kind and loyal friend to everyone she met. She shared confidences and hospitality with friends and embraced them and their extended families and pets. She was blessed to share holidays and even overseas travel with her closest friends. She is remembered by all who loved her for her high standard of propriety, honesty, transparency and her excellent sense of humor. Her pastor, Reverend Phil Goff, described her as intelligent, strong, joyous and creative.

She was an active member of the Federated Church of Ayer, Massachusetts and the Baptist Church of Grafton, where she served as a member and treasurer of the Mission Committee, and a Deacon. She was well known in Grafton for her regular "high teas", which she would host at the Church with all of the pomp and circumstance of the Scottish tradition, including a collection of china tea service which would make an antique store owner jealous. She had a fabulous collection of hand beaded and embroidered brocade gowns and costumes from her homeland. She enjoyed sharing the Scottish rituals as much as she delighted in learning the traditions and cultural opportunities available to her in the States. But, she never lost her Scottish lilting accent and expressions, which complemented a thoroughly urbane, cosmopolitan person who truly loved her life.

During the last several years, Roma was confined to nursing homes at Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Vero Health Center, where the staff at both facilities were compassionate and caring, especially during these difficult times.

Roma is survived by her beloved pastor, Reverend Phil Goff and his wife, May and their children, Betsey, Becky and Nathan, and her dear friends Clark and Susana Bernard. Roma's passing leaves a void in our lives. May she rest in peace.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Rosanna for a period of visitation on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. Rosanna's funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 9:45 AM with a burial to follow at Westlawn Cemetery, 7 New Estate Road, Littleton.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton MA, 01460 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com