Colette L. Craine

PORTLAND - Colette L. Craine, 80, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2011, at St. Joseph's Manor with her loving family at her side, following several years of illnesses. Colette was born in Portland, daughter of Dr. Philip and Anna Gauthier. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1948, attended New Rochelle College in New York and graduated from Katherine Gibbs School in Boston. Colette married Robert L. Craine in Portland on June 21, 1952 following his graduation from the U.S. military Academy at West Point, N.Y. She accompanied him throughout various assignments in his thirty years of service, establishing homes in eight states and gaining many lifelong friends throughout the country. She was active in the Officers' Wives Clubs while accompanying her husband, serving on the Board of many Thrift Shops and later as a volunteer at the Good Cause Thrift Shop following her return to Portland in 1991 after serving as medical secretary for thirteen years at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA. Colette enjoyed playing bridge with friends, entertaining and traveling, having visited six countries and most of the United States. She particularly loved spending time at their camp on Moosehead Lake with family and friends and returning to the Washington D.C. area and Florida to resume close friendships developed during her time as a military service wife. She was especially proud of a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Air Force presented to her at a retirement parade for her husband in 1982. She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. Paul Gauthier of Scarborough. Survivors include her husband, Bob, of 59 years, her daughter Margot Sullivan and her husband Kerry of Gorham, ME; her son Michael Craine of Hudson, NH, several grand-cats and nieces and nephews. Prayers will be recited at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 8, 2011, at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 673 Steven's Avenue, Portland. Interment will be at a later date at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Catherine McAuley High School Advancement Office, 631 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04102 for scholarship assistance in memory of Colette. Online Condolences for Colette Craine