Hendersonville, North Carolina - With broken hearts, but gratitude for a long life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rolande Marie Gagne O'Leary, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and wisdom. Mom's goal was to reach 100 years old, and she did it. She passed on May 13, 2026, and would have been 100 on July 10, 2026. The old school motto is, if you are not early, you are late!

She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence O'Leary, as well as three of her children, Patrick J. O'Leary, Joy O'Leary Mills, and Paul R. O'Leary. She is survived by four children, Gordon C. O'Leary and wife, Joan, Michael F. O'Leary and wife, Judy, Marlene M. O'Leary and husband, John Cook, and Vicki L. O'Leary. She has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Mom came into the world in 1926, the same year that television was introduced. She saw many changes over her life, was quick to adopt technology, and managed to give her children, all seniors, tips on texting. She grew up in St. Francis, a small town in northern Maine, and married a moosetowner, to her mother's dismay. The marriage resulted in seven children. She somehow made every child feel like they were the special one, and they all adored her, the best Mom in the world! Seven children in seven years, and she kept her sanity - what a tough lady. She made sure the entire family attended church every Sunday, and always prepared a wonderful meal after church, often including meat of questionable legality. She would go to work in potato fields in the fall with all of the children (not much help), make meals, clean clothes and tend to Dad (another real chore). After her kids were grown, she went to work on Loring AFB for the Crash Fire Dept. and loved her job, piece of cake with her history.

One of Mom's greatest joys was to shop. She would spend hours meandering through store after store, making sure she didn't miss a thing. Sometimes she would arrive back home empty handed, and sometimes quite the opposite. Getting a great sale was her true delight.

Another great joy of hers was to travel. She visited many countries throughout the years, sometimes with family members and sometimes on her own. She loved adding pins to her World Travel Map, happy to share her experiences with one and all.

Mom, your life was a blessing, your memory cherished. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Have a great second journey!