Catherine "Kitty" Carswell
December 7, 1922 ~ November 6, 2019
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Portland - Catherine (Kitty) Carswell, 96, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with her loving family by her side.
Catherine, then Catherine Forbes, was born in Boston, MA on December 7, 1922. She graduated from Portland High School in 1941. She then graduated from cosmetology school studying in Maine and New York City. After she worked as a stylist and instructor at the Golden School of Cosmetology she entered the political stage.
She found great pride in working for people of the state of Maine. She's served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1957 through 1968. She then served in the Maine Senate from 1971 to 1972 and was the only woman senator in the one hundred and 5th legislative session. When Kitty was Chairman of Health and Institution Committee, she became instrumental in releasing of mentally challenged individuals out of Maine State Mental Institution to licensed boarding homes, where they could better meet their needs.
They also required nursing homes to meet decent standards in order to be granted a license to remain open. Retiring from public service, she returned to cosmetology by operating her own boutique, Suburban Beauty Salon in Portland, ME.
Kitty and her husband enjoyed the northern woods by hunting, fishing and sailing by Long Pond, ME and on the coast of Maine.
She never stopped helping people. It was all about caring for people and social justice for all.
Kitty was predeceased by her husband, Charles Carswell in 2002. She is survived by her sister, Margaret (Peggy) Reali of Old Orchard Beach; and her niece and caretaker, Sandra Whitten; and many other nieces and nephews of Maine & Florida.
At Kitty's request all services will be private. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with her beloved Charles. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. To view Catherine Carswell's memorial page, or to share online condolence, please visit www ConroyTullyWalker.com
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I remember her cheerful ways,always greeting with a smile. May she rest in peace.Blessings to her family who took such good care of her in her final years With love, Mary
– Mary Herzog
My deepest condolences to Kitty’s family and friends. She was a political mentor to me. In 1972 she brought me to my first Presidential Caucus and later, after we were both elected as delegates, she drove us to the State Convention. She was the first woman politician I had met and her early guidance was instrumental in some of my more current political efforts. We had lost touch but reconnected 10 years ago. I will miss her. Marianne (Keaney) Stevens
– Marianne Stevens
Very saddened to learn about my Great-Aunt’s passing. I was young when her brother (my grandfather) passed and never really got to know him. She was my connection to him and I valued the time we had together. My Dad and I would drive to Maine to visit her and love hearing her stories of her time spent in politics and the different dignitaries she had the privilege of working with (or really whom had the privilege of working with her). After my Father’s sudden passing in 2011 we lost touch, but was fortunate to re-establish a connection with her last year. Though it was brief it was very meaningful. I hope she is resting in peace and reunited with her late husband, siblings and nephews that predeceased her. She will be missed greatly.
– Lauren Forbes Hoffman
Deepest condolences. Kitty was a bright spirit who was of great help to me when I had the honor of representing her in the Maine House. I have fond memories of watching her rollerblade in her neighborhood off Summit St! She will be greatly missed.
– Bill Norbert
Aunt Kitty was truly one of a kind.One never knew what she might do or say and that’s what we loved about her.She will be missed by the whole Carswell Clan! Catherine Carswell Berger
– Catherine Carswell Berger
I was sorry to hear of the passing of “Aunt Kitty.” She was my father’s paternal aunt. Although I only met her a few times as a child, I remember her being very vibrant and kind. Sending my condolences and prayers to the family. J. Elise Forbes – CT
– J Elise Forbes
I want to express how impressed I am with the service of Rep. Carswell. As a fifth-term legislator, I can appreciate the length and dedication she had for public service. And to have ongoing support from her community, and to be female and a leader in the political arena in any decade, let alone the 50s and 60s, reveals the respect she commanded from both constituents and her legislative colleagues. My regrets to family.
– Rep. Christopher W. Babbidge