Rose Carter, 93, of Portland, passed away peacefully in the early hours of July 4, 2026. Her final days were marked by visits from family and friends reminiscing, laughing, and praying, echoing the way her entire life was lived. She was undoubtedly greeted cheerfully in heaven by her late husband, Richard.

Born at home in South Portland to parents Michael Angelo Valente and Madeline Villacci Valente, Rose was the youngest of five siblings. She was raised in Portland’s ‘Little Italy’ neighborhood, at 41 Middle Street, a home she remembered fondly and with values she carried forward her entire life and passed on to her children and grandchildren.

An outstanding student, Rose attended The North School and graduated from Portland High School where she earned the prestigious Brown Medal for excellence in academics, an incredible accomplishment for the child of parents whose schooling ended at the elementary level, and whose first language was not English. Rose treasured education throughout her life, attending Senior College in Portland well into her 80s.

Rose married her high school sweetheart, Richard Carter, on April 5, 1953. Together they raised five children at the family home in Portland they so cherished. The home was always open to the large extended family and friends, with Rose always ensuring everyone had enough to eat - pizzelles, pasta fagioli, spaghetti. Winter afternoons she loved to enjoy a cup of tea and conversation at the kitchen table; summer afternoons were spent in her garden tending tomatoes or sitting in the backyard shade watching the family enjoy friendly competition.

Rose was deeply respected and loved for her quiet strength, notable among an often-boisterous family. Her principled, resolute character guided her through life and its ups and downs.

For decades Rose worked at New England Telephone/Nynex, balancing a career with raising a large family during a time that was not common. When she retired, she worked part-time at Unum.

A communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Portland, Rose lived out her faith quietly and humbly, but there was no doubt about what she believed. When she was at the head of the dinner table, no one picked up a fork until she led the blessing.

Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard; son, Richard; grandson Tony; parents, siblings, and many special friends and cousins. She leaves behind her children; Kim (Peter), Diane (Steve), Carolee (Tim), David (Laura), ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a dear nephew ‘Tommy Junior’ Valente (Doris), and so many others who loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Landing in Cape Elizabeth and of Compassus Hospice for providing Rose with such comfort.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 Pm on Monday July 13, 2026, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday July 14, 2026, at St. Pius Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Avenue. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland, Maine.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 or cancer.org