Annie Bshara

Annie E. Bshara, 93 years old, of Alfred, ME died peacefully and went home to the Lord, with family & friends beside her on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 in Sanford.Annie was born on February 25, 1914 and raised on the family farm in Alfred. She was the daughter of the late Maynard and Hattie Ford Clough. As a young girl Annie enjoyed the adventures of living on the farm. She loved playing with the farm animals, jumping in haystacks, and examining all the little critters that roamed around the property. She helped with the family chores and learned to appreciate hard work at a young age. She lived by the family customs of working hard, going to church, enjoying life, and being content every day of her life.Her grandmother taught her to read and write by the age of 4 and she was promptly placed into the second grade. She continued her education at Alfred schools, and at the age of 16 she graduated from the Alfred High School. Immediately following high school Annie began attending nursing school at H.D. Goodall Hospital. She would later receive her nursing degree with the last class to ever graduate from the program.Annie, or the beloved "Nana" as she was known to most of her family, was a very loving and caring person. One of her greatest joys was to spend time in the kitchen baking apple squares, whoopie pies, and cookies to share with her family and friends.Keeping active was part of Annie's everyday life. She enjoyed bowling in the senior league, and with her grandchildren. Playing cards was always a treat. The badminton, horseshoes, and lawn darts were fun any time the weather was good.Annie was a talented musician who could play both the trumpet and organ. She enjoyed sharing those talents with her family. She also enjoyed tending to her garden. Harvesting the fruits of her labor and sharing them with others made the garden a special place, and like every good New Englander her passion for the Red Sox and Celtics was voiced during every game.Loving, caring, compassionate, and selfless are only a few of the words that could be used to describe this special woman. She never complained about her health, or had an ill word toward others. Annie left a great impression on those around her, and could be looked at as a role model for others to follow.Her husband of 58 years John F. Bshara Sr., their son Robert V. Bshara, two sisters and a brother predeceased Annie.Survivors include a daughter Barbara Curley and her husband Ralph Jr. of Sanford; two sons, Arthur Bshara and his wife Sylvia of Alfred, John Bshara Jr. and his wife Nancy of Alfred, 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.A period of visitation for Annie will be held this Monday, May 21, 2007 from 6 to 8 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home in Springvale, ME. A 10:00 AM funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at the Curtis Lake Christian Church on Westview Dr. in Sanford.In lieu of flowers the Bshara family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Annie's name to the Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102, or the Visiting Nurse Service of Southern Maine, 15 Industrial Park Rd., Saco, ME 04072. To leave messages of condolence please use the condolence tab to the left.