Neighbors for over fifty years

Our families have been summer neighbours for over fifty years. My grandparents bought land on Bellstone Avenue in 1946. Rosemarys family bought the lot next door in 1951 and built a house on the property.

The Cassano and Panella family remained neighbors, with the descendants still living as neighbors.
Rosemary and her brothers were older than I was but that did not stop any of us from being friends and sitting on the beach all day from morning till dusk. There were so many families during those early years and everyone loved the beach, boating and water skiing. 

I built a new year round home across the street in 2011.  Rosemary renovated their beach house six years prior and had remained in the place she loved so much.

We shared stories and escapades of our childhood on West Beach.  We both had a love of the same hobby, collecting mermaids. Rosemary was always a kind social person and helpful to all the neighbors. She was especially comforting to me when I lost my son five years ago. Being a friend, neighbor and nurse she was the first person I called during this crisis. I will always remember and cherish our friendship.

Sincerely,

Gail Colby