Gertrude MacDonald Caiazzo

PORTLAND - Gertrude MacDonald Caiazzo, 95, of Hampshire Street, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Maine Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born in Portland, Maine on December 11, 1915 the daughter of Archibald and Bridget Flaherty MacDonald. She attended local schools and graduated from the Cathedral High School in the class of 1934. On May 24, 1938 Gertrude married William E. Caiazzo at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Together they lived and raised their family in Portland. Working most of her life as a homemaker, Gertrude was always busy caring for her children. Her home was a frequent stopping point for officers of the Portland Police Department whether it was for a cup of coffee and a freshly baked treat or perhaps you had time to stay for lunch. She was an active member of the Cathedral School Mothers Club, a poll clerk for many years for the City of Portland and a regular participant of the Life Line Exercise Group at the University of Southern Maine. She also enjoyed crocheting, making Afghans for all of her children and grandchildren. Her daughters commented, "That cooking and caring for her grandchildren was her greatest love". She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and a special friend to many people. Gertrude was a lifelong communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. She was predeceased by her husband William on June 14, 1977, six sisters Irene Vanier, Florence Elfstrom, Agnes MacDonald, Helen Meader, Kathleen "Kay" Carr and Margaret MacDonald; three brothers Phillip, John and Samuel MacDonald; a son in law Luigi DiFazio. She is survived by two daughters MargaretAnn and her husband Richard L. Foshay of Scarborough and Carmela DiFazio of Portland; seven grandchildren Renee` Dimillo, Luigi DiFazio III, Bridget Ober, William Foshay, Anthony Foshay, Sarah Foshay and Kimberly DiFazio; ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15am on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland. Online Condolences for Gertrude Caiazzo