Rockwell, Birdell Lilly-May Carse - It was a lovely fall day on Nov. 2, 1948 when Birdell Lilly-May Carse Rockwell came into the world, and it was a sunny late summer day when she left it on Sept. 3, 2014, just two months shy of her 66th birthday and with family at her side. Birdie, the namesake of her paternal grandmother, Victorian Era journalist Birdelle Switzer Carse, had merry blue eyes that brimmed with her quick wit and gentle humor. She loved birch trees because they reminded her of her childhood home in Newtonville, N.Y. and, as her body failed her she took comfort from her favorite poem, "Desiderata." A wonderful listener, her dearest friends were her two big sisters, Catherine Carse Hesler and the late Thomasina Carse Hinman, who predeceased her sister in March 2013. She was also a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and aunt. She is survived by her husband, Gerard Rockwell; her son, Thomas (Suzette) Rebull and granddaughters Olivia and Sophia; a sister, Mrs. Catherine Hesler; niece Sarah Hinman Ryan; and nephews Tim and Ed Hesler and David Hinman. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care she received at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington, Mass. Following family tradition, Birdie is participating in UMass Medical School's anatomical gift program. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held this fall. Donations in memory of Birdie may be made to the Whiskers Animal Benevolent League through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Guest book available at www.finnertyandstevens.com
