DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw recent comments about my mother, Roselle Coury Fortier, in July 23 and 27 Sun Spots. Mom was indeed a “first-class talent in every respect.” She attended the School of Radio Technique in New York City in the 1930s. Her radio career in Maine spanned more than 30 years, from 1940 to the 1970s. Programs in her younger years featured her singing pop music numbers “on the air” live from the WCOU studios in Lewiston. She had a remarkable singing voice, with flawless pitch and exquisite tonality. Her accompanists included Marion Payne Louisfell, jazz pianist Gratien Ouellette and Bert Cote, the late husband of current L-A radio personality, Connie Cote. Roselle’s variety shows included Peck’s Party Room and Morning Toast. In 1951 she was offered a job as a newscaster at station WOR in New York but chose to stay in Maine. In 1954 she received an Outstanding Presentation award for Delivery and Speech. In 1975 a posthumous award from the Maine Association of Broadcasters called her “Maine’s First Lady Broadcaster.”
A few years ago my cousin transcribed some of her songs from the original reel-to-reel magnetic tapes, and my family and I still listen to her occasionally. She died in 1975 at the early age of 56. My sister and I just realized that the 100th anniversary of her birth is this October. Anyone interested in more information may contact me at refmd@live.com.
— Richard, no town
ANSWER: Richard, I’m so thrilled that you wrote to Sun Spots! It’s very gracious of you to take the time to fill us in. Many of our readers were fans of your mom’s. Be ready for some emails!
For readers, who don’t use email and want to get in touch with Richard, please send your letters to Sun Spots and I will make sure he receives them.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell us what happened to Connie Cote’s French music program? My wife and I used to enjoy listening to her every Sunday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. The program seems to have been taken off the air without any explanation. If Connie retired, we want to let her know we appreciated her and wish to thank her for all the time and years she spent making that program available to us Franco Americans.
— Don and Irene, Lewiston
ANSWER: I spoke with Station Manager Bonnie McHugh at Big Z 105.5 FM/1240 AM. She told me the local legend did indeed recently retire. Connie, who is over 90 years old, delivered her radio show for more than 60 years in an effort to keep the French language alive. All of us, especially the Franco community, miss her.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to share a story about a wonderful man paying it forward. I was in line at Shaw’s with several items when a gentleman joined the line. I could see he had only one item so I asked him, “Would you like to go ahead of me?” When it was my turn, I found out he was so grateful that he left money for my groceries. Yes, there are lots of nice people in this world!
I love your column. Thanks for all you do for us.
— Claire, no town
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