Katherine Cannon

PORTLAND — Katherine “Kay” M. Cannon, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 2, 2018, with her family by her side.

She was born on Aug. 15, 1934, the daughter of George and Calliope (Mouyiou) Markos in Portland.

Kay grew up in Westbrook, graduating from high school in 1952. Her first job was as a secretary for the mayor of Westbrook. Soon after, she married Thomas Johns, had three daughters and spent many years as a true Air Force housewife of that era. She was a wonderful cook and sewed all her girls’ clothes right down to their Easter coats.

Kay was a strong-willed, proud, fiercely independent and dignified lady. She loved music and would play scores from musicals while her girls sang alongside her. She also enjoyed painting, first learning the art while the family was stationed in Japan and continued to enjoy painting with her sisters in later years.

She was very proud of her Greek heritage and was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (where she sang in the choir for many years and played the organ) and the Daughters of Penelope, where she had served as president.

Kay met her second husband, Lawrence Cannon, while working at Forest City Chevrolet, in the car rental department, as he would fly in from California to visit his mother in Maine. They made a connection, got married and had many happy years together before his passing in 2003.

She loved to entertain and spend time with her sisters and girlfriends. She was an avid bridge player, solved puzzles of all kinds and was a season ticket holder for Lyric Theater for years. As an avid reader all her life, a favorite statement of hers was, “If you can read, you can do anything!”

For the past few years, she found a way for the whole family to gather, by renting a camp on Little Sebago for a week, where everyone could enjoy themselves and spend time together. It was such a gift where memories were made, especially of all the little ones enjoying the water.

She always said she’d never see any of her grandchildren get married, but she went to six weddings! She was also blessed to have 15 great-grandchildren. Kay was the matriarch of the family and will be missed by all. May her memory be eternal.

She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Penny Diaz of Westbrook, Anne Hall of Limington and Barbara Stauble of Harrison; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way); two sisters, Themia Raymond and Angie Glicos, both of Westbrook; several nieces and nephews; and a very special godson.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence; and a granddaughter.

Visiting hours were held on Friday, June 8, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland.

A Trisagion Service was held at 6 p.m., at the funeral home. A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant Street, Portland, with a committal service following at Woodlawn Cemetery.

You may offer your condolences and share your memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

Donations, if desired, may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Katherine.