Susan Jean Harkins
October 9, 1942 ~ September 30, 2023
Resided in:
Cumberland Foreside, Maine
Portland - On September 30, 2023, our dear and beloved mother and grandmother, Susan B. Harkins, peacefully passed away with grace after a brief stay at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.
This story began, just under 5 years ago after the passing of our beloved father, Donald L Harkins, Sr. It is now time to tell the rest of the story, in which she chose the tranquil ending.
“Jeannie”, as she was called by close friends and family, was born on October 9, 1942, in Portland, Maine. A twin daughter to the late Edward J. Barry and Mary Johnson Barry, Jeannie spent her younger years in the Munjoy Hill neighborhood of Portland. The story of her life, from her youth to her elder years, was one of strength, determination, kindness and love.
Jeannie battled through a difficult childhood after being diagnosed with “St. Vitus Dance” and rheumatic heart disease. Endless trips to Boston for treatment did not dampen her spirit or hinder her grace. She often spoke fondly of her childhood days working in the blueberry fields, attending summer camps and visiting family on the lakes in the Rumford area. Despite physical and health obstacles, Jeannie graduated from Cathedral High School in 1960.
Immediately following graduation, Jeannie joined the workforce as switchboard operator and office assistant. Always striving to better herself, she regularly took college courses until earning her license as a registered sales agent. Jeannie successfully enjoyed a 50+ career working at various brokerage firms throughout greater Portland before retiring in 2010.
Although proud of her career, Jeannie cherished her 55 years spent as a loyal and devoted wife. Marrying Donald L Harkins, Sr in July of 1963, their once separate stories now became one. She and Don lovingly raised their three children, Donald, Jr, Laurie and Leslie in the North Deering neighborhood of Portland. Her children were raised with strong family values because of their mother’s love, discipline and endless guidance. While raising her children, Jeannie demanded weekly Sunday dinners, regular family chores and lots of laughter and love. Always welcoming her children’s friends for dinners, parties, sleepovers and endless shenanigans, Jeannie opened her door and her heart to everyone around her.
Jeannie’s true joy came with the arrival of her 6 grandchildren, Zachary and Hannah Hodgdon, Logan Harkins, Isabelle Bickford, and Aric and Cora Lyden. She attended countless dance recitals, band concerts and sporting events, snuggled with the grandkids to watch movies, baked homemade cookies and bread, volunteered in school kitchens and libraries and often helped the grandkids with homework (mostly math or spelling…). When not busy with family activities, Jeannie spent her spare time visiting with friends, walking her 6000+ steps per day, reading a good mystery or suspense novel, completing a crossword puzzle or satisfying her sweet tooth with a klondike bar or piece of chocolate.
Jeannie will be greatly missed by her surviving family, son Donald Harkins, Jr and wife Nancy of Saco, daughter Leslie Lyden and husband Michael of Cumberland, daughter Laurie Harkins and her partner Daniel Kuttner of Conway, NH, her sister Arlene Donahue of South Portland, 6 grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A private, family, graveside burial of Donald and Susan Harkins will take place at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. A Celebration of Life will be held 4pm to 7pm on Friday, October 20th at the Woodlands Country Club, Woods Road, Falmouth, ME. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. To view Susan’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
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Susan Harkins was an amazing woman and an even better grandmother. Meme has always treated everyone with love and compassion. I’m am beyond grateful for everything meme has done for me and everyone around us. Words cannot describe how much I loved her and her memory will never be forgotten. Thank you Susan Harkins for the wonderful women you were and all the amazing words of Wizdom and love I received from you, the impact you had on my life is extremely significant and will never be forgotten 🩵
Sending my thoughts/prayers to the Harkins family.
Sorry for everyone’s loss. Mrs. Harkins was always kind and generous to me throughout the years.
I especially loved that she and Don Sr. would have me over during their infamous Christmas Eve get togethers.
God bless 🙏