Rebecca Jean Bigelow

Rebecca Jean Bigelow, 38, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at Northland Rehabilitation and Learning Center in Jackman, Maine.

She was born July 20, 1980 at Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, Maine. A daughter of Harold C. Bigelow and Joyce M. “ Miller” Bigelow.

Rebecca was born with three holes in her heart, which initially were undetected until she went into cardiac arrest at 3 days old. After a flight to Boston, many life-saving drugs and surgeries later – her life was saved, however, she was tragically and irrevocably brain damaged. She spent her whole life being legally blind and unable to walk or talk.

Despite these limitations, she was taken care of by her mother and lived at home in Solon until she was 16. She attended the Garret Schenck Elementary School in North Anson and as a child enjoyed eating ice cream, listening to music and touching soft stuffed animals (and cats!). She eventually moved to Watertown, Massachusetts and graduated from the Perkins School for the Blind before returning to Maine.

Rebecca spent 6 years living with and being cared for by Linda Drake and her husband David in Athens. With Rebecca living in their home, she was a pleasure to be a part of the Drake family. She had a contagious smile and laughter that no one could ever forget. She will always be loved and remembered by the Drake family and Hilltop Leaf in Waterville.

In addition to her parents, Rebecca was pre-deceased by her brother, Gilbert M. Bigelow.

She is survived by her sisters Heidi (Bigelow) Seely of Charlestown, Massachusetts and Amanda Hines of Stratham, New Hampshire and her maternal grandmother, Anne Miller of Bingham, Maine.

Rebecca’s family would like to thank Linda and David Drake for the excellent care and love they provided to her over the years. They would also like to thank the countless teams that have helped Rebecca over the past 38 years: Boston Children’s Hospital, Redington-Fairview General Hospital, the State of Maine Department of Health & Human Services, the staff at Northland Living Center as well as her countless teachers and advocates.

Funeral services will be held at Giberson’s Funeral Home 18 River Street in Bingham on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Solon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view the online obituary, or leave condolences please visit www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

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