Obituary: Judy Marie (Strout) Rosenhek
Judy Marie Rosenhek, 71, Remembered for Her Passion for Animals and Family Life
Portland, Maine – Judy Marie (Strout) Rosenhek, a longtime resident of Westbrook and beloved animal caretaker, died on September 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness. She was 71.
Rosenhek was born in Portland on July 7, 1955, to Willis G. Strout Jr. and Betty M. (Babbidge) Strout. Raised in the Westbrook community, she attended the local public schools and graduated in 1974. Her childhood was marked by a strong bond with the family horse, which once broke her collarbone, and by working alongside her father to raise and sell award‑winning rabbits. She also spent her early years navigating the shoreline of Little Sebago by motorboat and leading family processions along Moosehead’s shores, a tradition that included a treasured ash‑basket backpack purchased at The Indian Store in Greenville.
In November 1976, Rosenhek married Mark Rosenhek. The couple first settled in Newburyport, Massachusetts, where they both worked. Two years later, they relocated to New Jersey for new employment opportunities, bringing their rough‑collie Sanda with them. The years that followed were spent raising their three children, managing household responsibilities, and caring for a wide array of animals—cats, collies, shelties, golden retrievers, and many others that made their home a sanctuary.
The family returned to Maine in August 1994, a move that reunited them with extended relatives and allowed Rosenhek to work as an independent animal care professional within her native state. “It was an environment only Maine can provide,” she said in an interview with a local animal rescue group. “I could help more people and their pets.”
Rosenhek’s commitment to animal welfare extended beyond her own household. She worked for a veterinary hospital during much of her career, applying her hands‑on experience to care for sick and injured animals. In her final days, she continued to volunteer with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, a local organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals.
She leaves behind a large, close‑knit family. Her husband, Mark Rosenhek, survived her. Their children are sons Matthew and Justin (who is married to Danielle) and daughter Elise Gould. Her grandchildren, Jeremiah and Cara, are also mourned. Rosenhek’s siblings, Raymond (Stephanie) and Sharon (Burt) Strout, and her brother‑in‑law, Seth Rosenhek (Edell), are among those who will remember her. A longtime family friend, Bethany Fulton, was also a close companion.
A celebration of life for Judy Rosenhek will take place on October 18, 2026, at the Old Robie School (668 Gray Road, Gorham, ME 04038) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to share memories and pay respects. The event will be a gathering of community members who admired her kindness, independence, and dedication to animal care.
Rosenhek’s legacy will also live on through charitable contributions. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory may donate time, consumables, or funds in her name to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. The organization will use the donations to support the many animals awaiting rescue and rehoming.
For those who wish to share their memories or learn more about her life and work, the family has created a tribute page at Cascobay Cremation’s website. The page allows visitors to leave messages, photographs, and tributes.
Judy Marie Rosenhek’s life was defined by her love of animals, her unwavering independence, and her commitment to family and community. Her passing is a profound loss to Westbrook, Newburyport, and the many people whose lives she touched.
