Maryann Janet Berkins

Maryann Janet Berkins (Bosse), 78, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 15, 1947, in Nashua, she was the eldest child of Gerard “Jerry” Leo Bosse and Rachel Adrienne (Belanger). Raised on Nowell Street in the home her father built, Maryann grew up in a lively household with four younger sisters and two younger brothers. From an early age, she displayed a strong sense of responsibility and compassion that guided her throughout her life.

Maryann met the love of her life, Kenneth “Ken” James Berkins, while working at Sanders. Their relationship was rooted in mutual encouragement and shared values. At Ken’s urging, she earned her GED, and at her request, he quit smoking before they married on July 31, 1971. The couple shared 54 years of devoted partnership. Together they raised three children: Sandra, Keith, and Karen. Though they lost their firstborn daughter Sandra shortly after birth—a sorrow Maryann carried always—she found deep joy in her role as grandmother to Chloe, with whom she shared a special bond through cooking and creative pursuits.

A dedicated homemaker, Maryann was known for her exceptional cooking and baking, especially her homemade spaghetti sauce and zucchini bread. She took pride in caring for her home and garden, often sharing its bounty with family and neighbors. An accomplished artist, she had a remarkable talent for painting people and captured the likenesses of many family members and friends. Her work was exhibited at Nashua’s Art in the Park, where she earned several ribbons, and her handmade cards were treasured by all who received them. Maryann and Ken enjoyed riding motorcycles and camping in the mountains with lifelong friends Carmen and Roland, creating memories filled with laughter and freedom. For the past twenty years, they spent winters on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida, where extended family gathered during spring breaks to make cherished memories.

Maryann’s generous spirit touched many lives. She worked at the YMCA and volunteered as a coach for Special Olympics, offering encouragement and warmth to every athlete. Her compassion extended to animals; she lovingly cared for her cats Peaches, Patches, and Stussy, and frequently nursed injured birds, squirrels, and bats back to health. Ken honored her love of animals by surprising her with a cherished trip to an African Safari. Deeply devoted to family, she and Ken fostered many children over the years, providing them with a safe and loving home. She remained close to her siblings, nieces, and nephews, attending every important event and making each person feel seen and valued. Maryann will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, strong Catholic faith, and the joyful sound of her laughter that could brighten any room.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth; her children Keith W. Berkins and his fiancé Kim Hand of Nashua, and Karen Maillet and her husband Kevin of Merrimack; her granddaughter Chloe; her siblings Sylvia Adams, Celeste Martin and her husband Roland, and Robert Bosse and his wife Jamie; her brother-in-law Gene Brand; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Sandra and her siblings Diane Brand, Rita Brand, and Rene Bosse.