GARDINER – Rhoda Marie Bottiggi MacMaster, 76, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024. She was born on May 10, 1947, in Farmington, to Charles and Evelyn Bottiggi. She spent her formative years in Wilton, cultivating a life rich in love and devotion. Rhoda found lasting fulfillment and happiness in South Gardiner, where she spent the last 40 years of her life.

Rhoda’s life was enriched by her marriage to her soulmate, Brian MacMaster, on July 5, 1969. They were blessed with five children: Jill (David Steur), Julie (A.J. Booty), Scott (Melissa Hackett), and twins Susan (Ben Beaulieu) and Shelley (Daniel Murphy). Rhoda’s role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Benjamin Powers and Maggie Tyler (Jill); Paige and Trey Booty (Julie); Jake, Parker, Tripp, and Elijah (Scott); Israel, Starr, Terrance, Jennifer-Jeanne, and Jace (Susan); Daniel, Nicholas, and Peter (Shelley); and great-grandchildren Noella Violet and Elena-Jane Evelyn.

Rhoda graduated from Wilton Academy in 1965 and worked as a hairstylist in Gardiner. Throughout their 55 years of marriage, Rhoda and Brian shared an extraordinary bond that inspired all who knew them. Her greatest love was caring for her children and providing daycare to many others in her home. She was a surrogate mother to many others and worked with special education students. She cherished her summers camping, where she made many great friends.

In addition to her loving family, Rhoda is survived by her brothers, Duane Bottiggi of Nevada and Steve (Crystal) Bottiggi of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and her caring sister, Laurel Dube of China, Maine. Her brothers-in-law will fondly remember her: David (Theresa), Thomas, James (Kim), and Douglas (Dawn) MacMaster, and sisters-in-law Judith and Jane MacMaster, along with many nieces and nephews.

Rhoda was predeceased by her parents, her sister Janice Bottiggi Smith, her niece Jennifer Lowe Smith, brother-in-laws Theodore (Teddy) MacMaster and John Dube, daughter-in-law Cynthia (Cindy) MacMaster and son-in-law Duane Powers, and nephews Chad and Tommy MacMaster.

Rhoda’s radiant spirit and compassionate nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She was described as kind, lovely, loving, beautiful inside and out, amazing, non-judgmental, open-hearted, incredible, fantastic, sweet, with an attractive and kind soul. She volunteered at the Gardiner Public Library for many years, where her storytelling brought joy to countless children. Rhoda’s dedication to her family was unparalleled, and her unwavering love for her husband was the cornerstone of her life. Rhoda’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her legacy of love and kindness will endure for generations to come. She will forever be cherished as a devoted wife, beloved mother, loving aunt, and cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m., at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. The family invites relatives and friends to call at the Center on Friday from 5-8 p.m.

Private interment will be in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton.

Memories and a memorial video as well as a livestream of her funeral services can be found in her Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com. Honored to be caring for the family is Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington.

In memory of Rhoda, a woman who dedicated her time and energy to the Gardiner Library Association, we invite you to honor her by making a contribution to the Association,

152 Water Street,

Gardiner, Maine 04345

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Obituary: Maureen Davis Cloutier

Next »

Obituary: Paul Robert Gross