Maria Jeanine Kennedy
May 21, 1964 ~ September 2, 2017
Portland -- Maria Jeanine Kennedy, 53, of Sheridan Street, died peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at her home following a courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer, with her loving family by her side.
Maria was born in Brookline, MA and raised in Cumberland, ME, daughter of Joseph R. Paulini and Patricia F. Rosengren (nee Mitchell). She graduated from Greely High School in the class of 1982.
On May 11, 1996, she married Michael B. Kennedy II and together they made their home and raised their family in Cumberland. Loving mother to four children, Maria dedicated her life to ensuring their health, happiness, and success. Her brazen sense of humor, refreshing lightness of spirit, and inherently empathetic nature enabled her to accrue countless friends from all walks of life. These relationships, each unique in their own right, serve as a symbol of the multi-faceted woman that Maria was. With these dimensions comes an unimaginable number of memories that will forever be carried with the ones who have loved and continue to love her.
Maria was predeceased by a brother Joseph Paulini. She is survived by her husband, Michael B. Kennedy II of Portland; three daughters, Megan Grondin of MA (25), Samantha Kennedy of NY (19), Olivia Kennedy of Portland (13); a son, Matthew Grondin of MA (27); mother Patricia Mitchell Rosengren of North Yarmouth; father Joseph R. Paulini of MA; three sisters, Melinda Luke of WA, Pamela Luke of WA, Lisa Avakian of MA; two brothers, William Luke of South Portland, David Paulini of MA; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:00am at the Episcopal Church of St. Mary's, 43 Foreside Rd., Falmouth. A reception and celebration of Maria's life will follow the Mass at the Val Halla Golf Club, 60 Val Halla Rd., Cumberland Center. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland.
To view Maria's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Those who wish may make contributions in Maria's memory to: https://www.unitedwayhouston.org/flood
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Your smile. Your love for your family,your inner beauty,your sense humor. I remember before you got sick I gave you your first short haircut per your request. You were not happy, but we laughed, we cried and you were beautiful. Fly with the angels you beautiful soul.
– Cheryl Burton
We’ll miss you beautiful girl, miss that killer smile, and wit, your wonderful hugs between our long times apart, hearing your news about your family, and your life, miss our connection that has been there so very long, always will carry you in our hearts, you were a true blessing…
– Aunt Suzi, Uncle Jerry, Allison, Scott, LilliAnn, Cole, Nikki, Noah, Taylor, Tom , Chris, Zoe & Emma
Condolences to Maria’s family. I didn’t know her but I do know her mother and know that Maria must have been a fine person. God’s speed!
– Merlyn Fogg
Such beautiful photos – her love, humor and just pure joy shines through in them all . I am so sorry and will keep you all close in thought, knowing these great memories and the love of family and friends will help support you each through this sadness.
– Beth Hamilton
It’s difficult to contemplate such a tragic loss as that of Maria, a useful, bright, vital, feisty woman and loving mother. She fought a valiant battle. For too brief a time, she was my beautiful stepdaughter.
My thoughts are especially with her devoted husband Michael, and their children; Matthew, Megan, Samantha and Olivia.
To Pat, her devoted mother, and to Maria’s siblings; Melinda, Pam and Billy, This loss must be overwhelming.
So many friends who grieve, too numerous to list, my heartfelt condolences.
Maria, you were such a force. You will be missed, but forever alive in our hearts.
In loving memory,
Carol Raney
– Carol Raney
My heartfelt condolences to a wonderful family. Maria was an amazing woman with the most amazing smile, She left all of us heartbroken.
Rosemarie
– Rosemarie