Janet Eleanor Romano

Janet E. (Dougherty) Romano, 89, of Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 26, 1935, in Portland, Janet was the daughter of the late John and Florence (Devine) Dougherty. She was raised in South Portland, attended Holy Cross Schools and graduated from South Portland High School in 1953. On August 8, 1959, Janet married Alfred W. Romano Sr., and the couple shared 62 years of love and companionship before his passing. She had a wonderful childhood and often spoke fondly of her days of working with horses at T-Ledge Stables, bringing stray animals home, and running around visiting family members. Before starting her family in 1960, Janet worked at Maine Bonding and Casualty Company. Her faith and community involvement were central to her life. She was a devoted member of St. Pius X Church for nearly 60 years, where she actively participated in the St. Pius Sodality. Janet’s generosity extended beyond the church, as she spent many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels with the Salvation Army and as a member of the Female Samaritans, a role she cherished for over two decades. Janet was also a proud member of the South Portland Historical Society, where she earned a 12-year service pin. Family was at the heart of Janet's life. She raised and influenced 8 children with love and dedication. She celebrated accomplishments, prayed through tough times, and was a rock when it came to supporting family. During her retirement years she and her husband enjoyed short traveling adventures with Maine Line Tours and more recently with South Portland Rec. For decades she shared coffee breaks with her husband that involved finding special spots and visiting her growing family. Since 1999, Janet looked forward to yearly family vacations on a lake. This tradition she held dear and earned her nickname “Grambo”. She was known for her homemade Italian bread, pizzelles, pizza, and Sunday dinners. On a daily/weekly basis she would get caught up with all of her children and then share the weekly family news to keep all siblings in the loop and close to one another. Janet had a passion for many hobbies, including swimming, reading, crocheting, and solving crosswords puzzles. Janet also had a unique enthusiasm for grocery shopping, where she would see and make friends with just about anyone she could. Above all, Janet loved. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was deeply committed to her family, always checking in on her children, grandchildren, and ensuring they felt loved and supported. Janet will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, faith, and joyful spirit. Janet was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Alfred W. Romano Sr.; sisters, Karen Dumond and Lorraine and her husband George Shutts; and brother-in-law, Reginald Thompson. She leaves behind her children, Al Romano, Paul and his wife Alex Romano, Joseph and his wife Kelly Romano, Julie and her husband Rick Green, Kristy and son-in-law, Bob Esposito, Daniel and his wife Christine Romano, Bruce and his wife Adriana Romano, and Amalia and her husband Steve Hanlon; siblings, John Jr. and his wife Vivian Dougherty, and Rita Thompson; 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and many beloved extended family members and special friends. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 3-5 pm at Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10am on Monday, January 6, 2025, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Janet’s memory to the South Portland Historical Society, 55 Bug Light Park, South Portland, ME 04106 or St. Pius X Church. Janet will be dearly missed by all who knew her.