Agnes Barbara (Lahood) Smaha Obituary (1916 - 2011)

PORTLAND - Agnes Barbara (Lahood) Smaha, 95, of Portland, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough, ME after a short period of failing health. She was born on October 24, 1916 in Lawrence MA, the only child of Bedia (Shaheen) and Solomon Lahood. She was educated in Lawrence and at age 19, married John M. Smaha, her husband of 55 years until his death in 1992. The couple moved to Portland, ME in 1936 when John joined his brother in the grocery business, and later, John and Agnes opened their own store in South Portland, Legion Square Market. Agnes was an avid reader and bridge player. She enjoyed weekly card games with friends and family. In her younger years, her hobbies were knitting and painting. She liked watching the Red Sox games on TV, figure skating shows, and kept up to date with the daily news. She was an amazing woman whose family came first. She and John spent over 35 years in Florida during the winter where they enjoyed friendships, family and fun. Agnes was very committed to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and for many years was Portland Chairman of fund raising campaigns. She also chaired Dinner Dances to benefit St. Jude's. She was proud of the fact that she was personally thanked by founder, Danny Thomas. She is a former member of The Portland Club, Purpoodock Club and volunteered in the Gift Shop at Mercy Hospital. She was a long-time communicant of St. Pius X Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, Agnes was predeceased by three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, all extremely close to her, as well as several nieces and nephews. She is survived by three children; Jacqueline S. Callan and husband Robert of Dover, NH, Thomas J. Smaha and wife Mary of Scarborough, and Kenneth J. Smaha and wife Rosemary of Falmouth Foreside. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Stephen) Hosken, John (Brenda) Keating, Jennifer (Paul) Golden, Cynthia (Curtis) Abbe, Catherine (Matthew) Murray, Andrew (Emily) Smaha, Karen (Brian) Lindquist and Michael (Carly) Smaha. She was proud great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren who she loved dearly. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, all very special and caring. In the past year, Agnes resided at the Birchwoods Assisted Living Facility in Portland. Her family extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff who made her life so much more pleasant and comfortable. Their attention, dedication and caring, will always be remembered. Very special thanks to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their expert care and loving attention given to Agnes and family. She will always be in our hearts and minds and will be sincerely missed. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 9th at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 10th at the chapel, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Online Condolences for Agnes Smaha