Joanne C. Kitch

South Portland - Joanne C. Kitch, 79, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at South Portland Nursing Home. Born in Portland on August 21, 1939, Jo was the daughter of the late Thomas and Madie (Coughlin) Coyne. She was raised in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School Class of 1957. Throughout her life, she worked as an executive secretary for several companies throughout Southern Maine. During her employment with Fairchild Semiconductor, she met Robert Kitch. After 4 years of asking and several proposals, Robert finally convinced her to marry him in 1984. Together, they shared over 30 years of marriage. Jo was an impish and fun loving person who enjoyed cooking, her weekly bridge games with her friends and a love for the ocean. Above all else, she was a loving and giving person, especially to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jo is predeceased by her daughter, Sandra; her siblings, Barbara Harmon, Mary Atkinson, Maureen Smith, Kathy Coyne and Thomas Coyne. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Kitch of South Portland; son, Paul C. Smith and wife Theresa of South Portland; sisters, Sally Buttland of Portland, Donna Mucci and husband Steven of Buxton and Tim Coyne of South Portland. She was the loving grandmother to 5 grandchildren Shaun, Kalie, Alexis, Sophia and Taylor and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to her family, she adored her 14 year old beagle, Soupy. Visiting Hours celebrating Jo's life will be held on Thursday, January 17 from 10-11AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Funeral Service honoring her life will immediately follow at 11AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress Street, Portland. To view Jo's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105