Mount St. Ann - St. Anne's Orphanage - Youville House
Joseph Massie
Lester Otto LaFontaine
Border 1954-1955
Rosalie Massie Blackburn
Rosalie Theresa LaFontaine
Border 1954-1955
Joseph Massie
Joe was a border at St. Anne’s Orphanage between 1954-55. Upon leaving the orphanage he and his sisters grew up with their mom and step-dad in Wollaston, MA (a part of Quincy). After graduating High School in 1968, he served four years in the United States Navy. He is now retired after 40 years in the computer field service industry. He and his wife Christine have been married since 1973 and live in Londonderry, NH. Together, with his sister Rosalie, they coupled their efforts to publish The Ghosts of St. Ann’s.
Our Motivation
Our motivation was a simple one. We found ourselves talking about our time in 'The Orphanage" and decided to find out more about the place we gave two years of our lives to. Finding information proved to be very difficult. We decided this was something we needed to do, for ourselves and the thousands of people who were also touched by this institution. We have since compiled enough information to set up our Facebook Page and now, this Web Page for everyone to use.
We hope you find the answers you seek on your journey.
Rosalie Blackburn
Rosie was a border at St. Anne’s Orphanage between 1954-55. Rosie's retirement after 19 years from the University of Florida’s housing department coincided with her husband Rick’s untimely passing in 2015. They shared 35 wonderful years together. He gave her the courage to follow her childhood dreams and memories. That led her to work side-by-side with her brother Joe, traveling in search of historical facts and browsing the internet for stories from past St. Anne’s residents.
Close to Home
with Marie Wyman
Rosalie Massie Blackburn & Pat Faldetta visit with Marie Wyman on her 'Close to Home' segment in October 2016.
Sit back and listen in as Marie talks to us about
St. Anne's Orphanage and the book,
"The Ghosts of St. Ann's Past"
Rosalie Massie Blackburn & Joe Massie visit with Marie Wyman for our second segment of 'Close to Home' in August 2017.