Rosemary Cashman, 71, of Amesbury passed away on Sunday, March 23rd surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Charles C. Cashman and Joan Flynn Cashman.  She is survived by her brother Charles and wife Debbie of Newfields, NH; brother Michael and wife Cathy of Amesbury; sister Cara and husband Tom of Reading, and brother James and wife Kate of Byfield.  She was predeceased by her brother Christopher.  She had a special relationship with her godparents, George and Rosemary Flynn Cashman and their large family, and Aunt Bobbi Flynn.  She adored her many nieces and nephews. 

   Rosemary was raised in Amesbury in the home built in 1941 by her grandparents, Dr. William A. Flynn and Rosemary Carr Flynn.  She eventually purchased the home and remained there until her death, and paid meticulous attention to the home’s upkeep and landscaping, which she greatly enjoyed. Rosemary graduated from Amesbury High School and the University of New Hampshire. She also earned a master’s degree in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

  In her twenties, she chaired Amesbury’s 1980 charter commission, and served two terms on the Board of Selectman, becoming only the second woman elected to the position in Amesbury’s history.  She maintained a lifelong love of small towns and their form of government. 

  She worked for many years as a Town Administrator for Weston, Connecticut, and also Lakeville, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Tyngsborough Massachusetts. 

   Rosemary volunteered for various positions, including Literacy Volunteers of America.  After graduating from college, she spent two years in Little Rock, Arkansas as a VISTA volunteer, where she helped senior citizens and youngsters.  She always considered this experience to be one of the best things that she ever did. 

  She was a fan of the Red Sox, classic Broadway hits like “My Fair Lady” and “Gypsy”, and old movies such as “The Best Years of our Lives” and “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” 

  After she retired, Rosemary wrote drafts of two plays, one novel, and one short story.  Also, she took piano lessons on-line with an emphasis on playing songs from the Great American Songbook.  

  Rosemary enjoyed living at the family homestead in Amesbury.  When she was growing up, the neighborhood was chockful of kids playing sports in the backyard, or shooting baskets into the hoop rigged by her Dad onto the front of the garage. 

    Most of all, Rosemary was grateful for her big family.  The gatherings at the homestead, especially on Christmas Eve, were prized moments with lots of laughter, food, and love.  Her life would not have been the same without all these cherished people. 

  A celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held in May. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Rosemary’s name to Camp Aldersgate, 2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, AR 72205.