Florence "Sis" (Kennedy) O’Brien Cairns

florence

August 15, 1924 ~ April 9, 2025

Born in: Portland, Maine
Resided in: South Portland, Maine

South Portland – Florence “Sis” (Kennedy) O’Brien Cairns, 100, passed away on April 9, 2025, in South Portland. Sis was born on August 15, 1924, in Portland, the daughter of the late Daniel and Nellie (Wilson) Kennedy.

Sis graduated from South Portland High School with the class of 1941. Her first job after graduating was as a switchboard operator at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary. She then worked for a short time as a receptionist from Dr. Philip Thomson Sr. The rest of her career was with Casco Bank and Trust, retiring in 1981. Sis would continue to work part time at the Filene’s Department Store for many years. She married Richard F. O’Brien Jr. in 1944 and had 5 sons with him. Sis became known to many as a doting mother, Grammie, great Grammie, and will be greatly missed by all.

Sis was predeceased by her second husband, Gordon Cairns; son, Joseph O’Brien; brother, Daniel Kennedy. She is survived by her sons, Richard III and his wife Norma O’Brien, Ronald O’Brien and his partner, Theresa Sampietro, Daniel and his wife Judy O’Brien, Timothy and his wife Paula O’Brien; stepchildren, Stephen and his wife Nancy Cairns, and Debra Lamb; seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren, and many beloved extended family members.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Compasses Hospice and the care team at the Pinnacle of South Portland, especially the team with the 300 Unit.

Visiting Hours will be held from 4pm – 7pm on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home at 9am on Friday, April 25, 2025, followed by a 10am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe, 150 Black Point Rd, Scarborough.

To view Sis’ Memorial Page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to Wayside Food Programs, PO Box 1278, Portland, ME 04104

Services

Visiting Hours: Thursday, April 24, 2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home - South Portland Chapel
1024 Broadway
South Portland, Maine 04106


Prayers : Friday, April 25, 2025 9:00 am

Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home - South Portland Chapel
1024 Broadway
South Portland, Maine 04106


Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, April 25, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am

St. Maximilian Kolbe
150 Black Point Road
Scarborough, Maine 04074


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Florence "Sis" (Kennedy) O’Brien Cairns 's name.

Wayside Food Programs

PO Box 1278

Portland,

Maine

04104

waysidemaine.app.neoncrm.com

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Ron and family, I was sorry to read of your mother’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her. Please accept my deepest condolences.

  2. I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Danny. I knew her and Gordon when I worked for Casco Northern Bank. They were the sweetest couple. Peace be with you.

    • I was so sad to see that my long time, friend , second Mom, sis had passed away. I met Sis at Casco Bank when I was 16 years old. I loved her very much and we remained friends for over 50 years. Sis was like a Mother to me. That God that we stayed in touch as did her friend Pam. We would meet for lunch often and also visit her in her home and the other places that she graciously entertained us in. God Bless this wonderful woman and my she rest in peace. !

  3. Dan and family,

    A wonderful, lovely, and fun lady. And, yes, a second mom. She had so much life, and she shared it so generously. God bless her, and bless you all.

  4. You were my last living link to my dad. May you find peace.
    I know he was waiting for you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
    Forever Kennedy’s

  5. Sis was a force of nature in the Commercial Loan Credit department at Casco Northern Bank, loved by all for her great sense of humor. I looked forward to seeing her at Casco luncheons after she retired and Casco was absorbed by Key Bank. So here’s to a great and stylish lady who lived her 100 years well — RIP, dear Sis!

  6. Sis made her husband, Gordon, very happy. She was a gracious, stylish hostess and the best mother-in-law one could hope to know. Sis made every family gathering special with her smiles and laughter. I will always treasure memories of the St.Patrick’s Day gathering where Sis came dressed as a leprechaun and danced a little jig. I like to think that Sis is dancing and skiing with Gordon again.

    May blessings and love be with you, Sis.
    Nancy Watson Cairns

  7. There were a lot of wonderful people who worked at Casco Northern Bank, Sis was right up there among the top. She had a great, warm personality, a wonderful sense of humor, and a positive can do attitude. She was a unique lovely lady, and will be missed tremendously by all who knew her. Our summer luncheons will not be quite the same without her.


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