Cathy Jean Whalen

SanfordCathy J. Whalen, 34, of Sanford died early Monday morning October 29, 2001 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland after a long battle with cancer.Ms. Whalen was born on May 3, 1967 in Somerville, MA. She was the daughter of Howard Whalen and Pauline (McAllister) Doucette. She is a graduate of Sanford High School and the University of Southern Maine; where she received her degree in communications and political science.Ms. Whalens' education landed her a job with Hannaford Brothers Supermarkets as the Southeast Marketing Coordinator. For five years she lived and worked in Raleigh-Durham, NC. While there she was instrumental in the development of the "Hannaford Hank" promotional character, as well as coordinating several charitable fundraisers through the supermarket chain. She returned to Southern Maine two years ago and continued to work at Hannaford Brothers of Scarborough.Outgoing, thoughtful, humorous, and loving are some of the best ways to describe Ms. Whalen. She enjoyed the company of her nieces and nephews, and loved to share her wonderful smile with people. She was very athletic and enjoyed playing golf and tennis.Ms. Whalen did not let her illness keep her down. She traveled to Scotland, France, and England. She also kept busy caring for her pets, or searching for her favorite thing, chocolate!Surviving are her parents and stepparents Pauline and Robert Doucette of Sanbornville, NH, Howard and Diane Whalen of Opelika, AL; two sisters, Diane Sawyer of Sanford, Elizabeth Authier of Groton, CT, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.A period of visitation will be held on Wednesday October 31, 2001 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main St. Springvale, ME. On Thursday please meet the family for an 11:00 AM funeral service at the Pleasant Street First Baptist Church of Springvale. The Rev. Dennis Reeves officiating.Committal services will follow at the Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 52 Federal St. Brunswick, ME 04011.