Rose Alna Hilt, 94, died peacefully on Tuesday August 16, 2022, after a long illness.

Rose was born December 23, 1927 in Central Maine, the daughter of Frank and Martha (Norse) Curtis.  She was the 13th of 14 children.  She was raised during the depression when many families endured great hardship.  The Curtis family was no exception.  Financial circumstances forced division on the family with the children placed to work on farms throughout Maine.  Rose was fortunate that her oldest sister, Mildred, took her into her home at age 16.  She was able to finish her education and graduate from Thornton Academy.

Upon graduation, Rose worked at the Bates Manufacturing Mill in Saco.  She married Dennis Johnston in 1948, and shortly after they had two sons, Mark and Dale.  They divorced in 1955.  Never one to feel sorry for herself, Rose embarked on a mission of raising her two boys by herself.  She continued to work in the mills and often took a second job to support her family.  She refused to accept any government assistance.

Rose was selfless and thought only of her two sons.  She always made sure they had the same opportunities of other children from better means.  She took them camping every summer in the White Mountains, she encouraged them in school, in Little League and in the Boy Scouts.  When she worked a second job at the Saco Drive-In she brought her sons with her and had them help her clean the lots after movies.

Rose's strong work ethic is her legacy to her sons.  "Work" was not a 4-letter word for Rose, Mark and Dale.

By loaning money to both Mark and Dale, she was instrumental in helping both sons attain success in their chosen professions.  Dale has had a long successful career owning Action Security and Shepherd Kennels; Mark is the owner of Vic & Whits and was the long term mayor of Saco.

Rose refused to let a new relationship interfere with the raising of her sons.  It was only after Dale, her youngest, graduated from high school that she began dating.  Soon she met and married the love of her life, Eugene Hilt.  Together for 32 years, they enjoyed skiing at Loon Mountain, camping, boating, and traveling to Hawaii and the Caribbean.  Gene passed away after battling Alzheimer's in 2006.

Rose will be dearly missed by her son, Dale Johnston of Saco, who was her caregiver for the last 16 years.  She will also be lovingly remembered by her son, Mark Johnston and his wife Karen.

Rose also leaves three grandchildren: grandsons Jacob Johnston (Alicia Milne), Nathan Johnston (Jessica Morris), and granddaughter Elinor Johnston (Charlie Austin) of Los Angeles, CA.  Her great-grandchildren Emilee and Nathan Jr. brought Rose great joy in life.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Landing at Saco Bay, and Amedysis Hospice for their great care and compassion shown to Rose and her family over the years.

Visiting Hours will be 5-8PM, Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco.  A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.

To view Rose's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com