Theresa A. Gillespie

South Portland - Theresa A. Gillespie, 88, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at Fallbrook Woods in Portland. Born on July 24, 1929, in Berlin, New Hampshire, Theresa was the daughter of the late Adelard and Eva (Letellier) Langevin. In her early life, Theresa remained in New Hampshire where she married Robert Gillespie on September 18, 1948. Robert and Theresa raised their family in Gorham, New Hampshire until moving to Portland and then South Portland where they made their home. Together they shared 43 years of marriage until Robert predeceased her in 1991. Over the years, Theresa worked for Fairchild Semiconductor, Uncle Andy's Restaurant and operated a wallpaper shop. However, the work she enjoyed the most was with South Portland High School cafeteria where she enjoyed being known as "Nana" by her grandchildren and their classmates. In the years after Robert's death, Theresa reconnected with an old neighbor who was also widowed, Sam Robinson. Theresa enjoyed traveling with Sam and spending time at his cottage on Sebago Lake. They shared many years together until his death in 2009. Theresa had a quick sense of humor, loved to socialize, was a very good cook and loved to play golf. She also loved to read and was a wicked cribbage player. Above all else, was her love for her family. Theresa adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She put them first in everything she did. Theresa was a loving and caring matriarch who will be deeply missed. In addition to her parents, husband and Sam, Theresa was predeceased by 5 siblings. She is survived by her children, Darlene Kelman and husband Scott of Bridgton, Jim Gillespie and wife Jackie of South Portland, Gary Gillespie and wife Priscilla of Scarborough, Scott Gillespie and wife Pamela of Lyman and Karen Dunbar and husband Steve of Saco; grandchildren, Jason, Chris, Sean, Kelly, Melinda, Kristina, Josh, Sarah and Dillon; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Rita Gagne, Helen Ramsey, Norman Langevin and wife Annette and Peggy Pettengill. The family would personally like to give a BIG thank you to the staff at Fallbrook Woods and Hospice of Southern Maine for their wonderful care and support to our Mom and our family. Visiting Hours celebrating Theresa's life will be held on Thursday, November 30 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 1 at 11AM at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Theresa's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Alzheimer's Association of Maine, 383 US Route One #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074