In Memory of Carol Rosine (December 14, 1943 – August 12, 2021)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Carol Rosine, who died on August 12, 2021 at the age of 77.

Carol was born on December 14, 1943, in Worthington, MN and raised in a small town in Iowa. Her parents were Elizabeth M. Gethmann and Louis R. Gethmann. As a child, she was committed to the Methodist Church and did not seriously question basic Christian dogma until her late teens. When she and her husband first met, they were both searching for a church. A friend guided them to Arlington Street Church, MA where they were introduced to Unitarian Universalism.

Professionally Carol was a Registered Nurse and held various supervisory and administrative positions since 1964. After several years of moving around the country, in 1974 she and her husband became active members of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Manchester, CT. Carol engaged extensively in lay leadership, guided the Manchester church through a successful building fund drive and construction of its first meetinghouse. She then realized that her life had taken a new direction. In 1979 she quit nursing because she knew she would be happiest if she could translate her volunteer skills into a professional career. Recognizing her own religious authority and power, Carol headed towards the Unitarian Universalist ministry. In 1987, she received her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School, MA.

Rev. Rosine was ordained to Parish Ministry on May 31, 1987, by the First Unitarian Society of Newton, MA. From 1987 to 2016, she served the First Universalist Society in Franklin, MA. At the First Unitarian Society, she strived for a balanced programming, thought and spirit filled worship services, and accessibility in the church. She focused on religious growth and pastoral care of all and fostered lay leadership participation. The church had a banner at General Assembly for the first time during her ministry. She also served as a Social Justice Chair from 2003 to 2004. She ministered as a companion and as a leader and retired in 2016. On June 15, 2016, the congregation honored her as their Minister emeritus.

Rev. Rosine was committed to her role as a minister and had a proven sense of denominational responsibility. She was President of Manchester’s (CT) Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Chapter and served on the Board of the UU Urban Ministry and Interfaith Prison/ Restorative Justice Ministry. She served a term on the continental Board of the UU Women’s Federation (UUWF) (1983-1985) where she was instrumental in helping long term board members and newly elected persons find a common ground and prompt sense of unity needed for decision making. In addition, she functioned as a Planner of the UUWF Biennals (1983-1985). In 1984, she served as Co-Dean of the Connecticut Valley District (CVD) Week at Ferry Beach. Rev. Rosine also provided her services as a Workshop leader in CVD, Massachusetts Bay District, and Ferry Beach.

Carol had a deep commitment in UUism, a strong belief in the value of group relationship and an awareness of transforming possibilities of spiritual exploration. She participated in fund raising and marches for peace, hunger and pro-choice. She was active in the Franklin Ecumenical Council, especially as relates to affordable housing. She authored a pamphlet, “An Ecumenical Guide to Churches within the Community for Newcomers.”

In her spare time, she enjoyed photography, music, Contra and Square dancing, and camping. She loved attending folk and classical concerts, theatre, and ballets.

Carol is survived by her two children, Kathleen Kassay (David Kassay) of Norfolk, MA; and Rev. Dave Egan (Karina Lund) of Quincy, MA; three granddaughters, Lexi Kassay, Lyla Egan, and Maya Egan; nephew Dwight Kalvig (Sandy Kalvig) of Blackduck MN, and nieces Dawn Kalvig of Winsted, MN and Beth Carol of Virginia, MN.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, October 9th at 2:00pm at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. Franklin, MA 02038. The service will also be streamed online for anyone who is not able to be there in person.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to two beloved organizations close to Rev. Rosine’s heart:
Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center, 5 Morris Ave, Saco, ME 04072
First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

Notes of condolences can be sent to: Rev. Dave Egan, 119 Beach St. Quincy, MA 02170 and/or Kathleen Kassay, 114 Union St. Norfolk, MA 02056.