Mary McKeough Karatsanos
March 17, 2013
PORTLAND - Mary McKeough Karatsanos, 90, died on 3/17/2013. She was the daughter of Duncan M. and Mary A. (Gorman) McKeough. She attended Cathedral Grammar School and graduated from Cathedral High School as Valedictorian and the Maine School of Commerce. She was a lifelong resident of Portland. She attended St. Pius X and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception churches where she was both a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector. She was a graduate of the Parish Ministry Development Program and was a recipient of the Southern Maine Agency on Agency's Living Legacy Award. Surviving are daughter, Marie, and her husband, P. Joseph Connolly of Raymond, and their daughter Mara of Portland, OR and son, Michael D. Karatsanos of Portland and his son, Lee of Chicago, IL, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Lee in 1996, daughter Leanne Williams in 1998 and grandson Joshua Williams in 1997. Mary K. was employed for many years in the insurance industry in both companies and agencies and was National President of the National Association of Insurance Women. She taught adult insurance classes and also Defensive Driving and was awarded the Governor's Trophy for Highway Safety. She was very active in the lives of her children and served as president of several Home and School associations. After retiring, Mary was an active volunteer with Mercy Hospital, The Monastery of the Precious Blood and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Senior College). She was a docent at the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Harbor Museum and The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 23rd at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Arrangements by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland ME 04101.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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Dear Marie, Joe, Mara, Michael and Lee I am so very sorry for your loss what an awesome person aunt peg was. She is one of the few persons I have ever known that truly lived her religion to the highest. I can not thank you enough for unselfishly sharing such a warm and loving person with the rest of us and how we benefited from the example she was in all aspects of her life she certainly raised the bar high! Aunt peg will be missed so much and I am looking forward to the day we are reunited in heaven love ya all bunches Donna
– Donna O’Shea [McKeough]
Mary was such a warm, kindloving, knowledge-sharing person. She was always proud of her Cathedral High School Affiliation and Insurance Women’s Organizations. It was a privilege to have known her. God bless you, Mary K. Pat
– Patricia Ridge Pacillo
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Mary was one of my greatest supporters, and I so enjoyed her friendship over the years. She will be sorely missed by those of us who knew her. Again, my deepest sympathy to her family.
– Cheryl Leeman
Please know that we share your grief and we loved Mary very much. She was Special, these years we have known each other,and her emails will be missed too.
– Jean & Bob Hazelip- Dallas, TX
I believe Mary was a distant relative of my Dad’s, Joesph McKeough. I’ve never met her, but after reading her obituary, she sounds like a wonderful person, and I’m sure she’ll be truly missed.
– Anne Jarvis(McKeough)
So many memories crowd my thoughts of Mary! She was a gracious and gifted leader among women and her modeling spawned many young, well equipped professionals. She leaves a large footprint in this world.
– Pat Reasoner, Shelburne, VT
We were so sad to learn that our dear friend Mary has left us! What an outstanding person! She will be missed by all who knew her. Our sympathy to Michael and all the members of Mary’s family. We have a new friend in heaven!
– Terry & Barbara Goodwin
Marie, Joe, and Mara, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom and grandmother will be missed. She was one great lady. Connie and Jimmy Somma
– connie somma
Dear Marie family; You are in my thoughts and my prayers on the passing of your wonderful mother. I feel blessed to have known her and to call her a roll model, mentor friend.
– Kathy Beckwith
Dear Marie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother. It brought back many fond memories of our time in second grade and walking together to the Baxter School. The highlight of my week was visiting with your welcoming family. I fell in love with your fish tank and your large upstairs playroom was a delight. I remember how your father used to play with you all before going to work. I even remember how your mother tucked us in at bedtime when I was lucky enough to spend the night. She was a great cook! I hope you have some wonderful memories to help you in this time of transition. Cindy
– Cynthia (Cofran) Smith
Dear Marie and Michael It seems it can not be a whole year since we have lost Peg. I had saved her many e-mails and re-read them over and over. Once again thank you for sharing one of the most wonderful persons I have ever been privilege to know. Love ya bunches Donna
– Donna O’Shea {McKeough}
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mary was a great lady and asset to the Insurance Industry. I remember her well. Please know my prayers are for the family during this difficult time.
– Michelle Mitchell