Marie Margaret Fox

Portland - Marie Fox, 94, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at Seaside Rehab and Health Center. She recently moved there from Birchwoods as her health declined. Marie was born November 14, 1921, in East Boston, the daughter of the late Marie and Dominic Raffi. Marie attended local schools there. As a young woman she moved to Portland where she met and married Clifford Fox. They raised their four children in the Riverton section of Portland before moving to Pinecrest Road. Marie worked as a secretary at Blue Cross/Blue Shield for many years and later was employed by Portland schools as a school secretary. Her fondest work years were those spent at PREP, an alternative high school. The students were challenging and needed a steady, caring, motherly hand. Marie provided that and many students stayed in touch with her. The Superintendent of Schools recognized Marie for her outstanding work at the school during an annual School Board awards ceremony. After Maries first child was born, she and her sisters-in-law, started The Club, a group of 9 women. These women met for over 60 years. Between them, they had over 50 children and there was never a deed or misdeed that was not discussed by the Club Girls over their weekly coffee and dessert. Lucky the child who overheard the latest tidbit of gossip from behind closed doors. The news was often shared among the cousins and almost cousinsno one wanted to be the topic of conversation. Marie and Cliff summered at Lakeside Pines in Bridgton, with close friends and family. During the winter, they headed to Port Charlotte, FL, where they joined most of the same people at Villages of Holiday Lake. Marie toyed with golf and cards but her passion was shopping. She could out-shop everyone and even in her last days, longed for that last run to The Dollar Store. She loved her clothes and even at the end, kept a close eye on the outfits and jewelry choices of her daughters and nurses. Marie is survived by her sister, Rosalyn Langella of Portland; daughter, Cheryl Jensen and her husband Paul of Florida and Cape Elizabeth; son, John Fox and his wife Judi of Portland; daughter, Marie Keller and her partner Jay Gordon of Westbrook; son, Tim Fox of Hawaii. She has seven grandchildren, David Jensen and his wife Tara of Massachusetts, Michael Fox and his wife Eileen of Colorado, Jennifer Mraz and her husband Chris of Colorado, Mark Keller of Portland, Michelle Keller of Portland, Jason Fox of Nevada, and Chelsea Mascho of Hawaii. She has three great grandchildren and with one more due this month. Marie was an aunt to many nieces and nephews. Niece, Patricia Fasulo, held a special place in her heart. Visiting hours will be held at 8-9am on Saturday, July, 16 at Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home at 9:15AM on Saturday followed by a 10am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Josephs Church, 673 Stevens Ave, Portland. Burial will take place in the family lot in Calvary Cemetery. Instead of a traditional wake, friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family at a celebration of life at the home of Marie and Jay, Stroudwater Place, Westbrook from 1-7pm on Saturday, following the funeral. To view Maries memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Partners for World Health, 2112 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106