Anne A Gannon

Portland - A. Arlene Gannon, 92, formerly of Quaker Lane, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Born and raised in Portland, Arlene was the daughter of the late Frederick and Hannah (O'Toole) Nolan. She graduated from Cathedral High School and worked as a switchboard operator at New England Telephone. Arlene met Mr. Robert B. Gannon on a blind date in the early 1960's. They knew that night that they were soul mates and they would live the rest of their lives devoted to one another. They were married in September of 1965. Over the next 48 years, Arlene and Robert raised their daughter, Anne, in Falmouth and later in Portland. They built a life together on the foundations of love. Throughout her life, Arlene enjoyed many things. Earlier in life, she enjoyed dancing to big band music and taking trips to Boston, New York, Ireland and Bermuda. Later in life, she enjoyed the simple things: having a cup of tea with a sweet treat while watching Oprah, smelling beautiful flowers, making divine brownies for those she loved, listening to Irish music and visiting with her high school classmates, "The Girls". She also enjoyed daily conversations with her daughter, trips to the outlets and playing beano at church. More significantly though, she enjoyed being a wife and mother. Arlene was most happy when she was taking care of her family. Whether it was during the summer at their cottage on Highland Lake, or at home watching TV. Her family was her everything. She was the consummate mother and wife who always put others in front of her self, always encouraging, and always supportive. Her loving presence will live on in the hearts of her family. She will be deeply missed. In addition to her parents, Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Robert Gannon in 2013, and sister, Mary "Lorraine" Nolan in 2006. She is survived by her loving daughter, Anne E. Gannon and husband Scott McKenna of Farmington, CT; grandson, Ethan McKenna of Farmington, CT; and God-Daughter, Christine "Tina" Bowden Smith. The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the staff of Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the loving care they provided Arlene in her final days. Private services will be held in the spring at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098