Christina Q. Heskett

August 7, 1920 ~ May 13, 2016
PORTLAND Christina Q. Heskett, 95, of Whitney Avenue, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. Born in Benedicta on August 7, 1920, Christina was the daughter of the late Lewis and Flora (MacDonald) Qualey. At the age of 16, she graduated as valedictorian from St. Benedicts High School Class of 1937 and went on to attendBeals Business College in Bangor. During World War II, Christina moved to the Portland area where she worked at Fort Williams and the shipyard in South Portland. Following the war, Christina remained in Portland where she worked for Portland Gas Company and retired from Portland Terminal Company in 1982. She was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks. Christina married Kenneth V. Heskett in 1947. They shared 41 years of marriage until he predeceased her in 1988. She and her husband enjoyed summers at their camp on Highland Lake in East Windham, often hosting family and friends. They were avid travelers, spending winters at Treasure Island in Florida, and of course going up home for visits. Christina cherished her lifelong involvement with the Catholic church. She was a communicant of the former St. Patricks Parish for over 75 years. She was involved with the building committee, the fundraising committee, St. Patricks Mothers Club, the Womens Council, a former secretary of the first Parish Council, member of Catholic Daughters of America, and volunteered in several other capacities. In addition to her parents and her husband, Christina is predeceased by her grandson, Andrew Heskett; sisters, Marion Savard, Gertrude Conant, Teresa Hansen, Sr. Mary Luanus, R.S.M (Agnes), and Rita Qualey; brothers, Louis and Albert Qualey. She is survived by her son, Robert Heskett and wife Tonya of Portland; grandchildren, Margaret Ann Smith and Husband Jeff of New York, Mary Elizabeth Blue and husband Dan of Westbrook, Daniel P. Heskett and wife Suellen of Florida, Matthew J. Heskett of Portland, James R. Heskett of Saco; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Bernadette Hunt of Oregon; sister-in-law, Rowena Qualey of Benedicta; several nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 18 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Christinas memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Brigid School, 695 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103 or Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund, 966 Riverside Street, Portland, ME 04103
I was so sad to hear that Mrs. Heskett had passed away. What a wonderful shining light she was. Always a ready genuine smile and as good and big a heart as anyone could want. I’m sure that her close ones will miss her-what a fine legacy she left. I am grateful to have known her even a little bit.
– Susan Fekety
Dear family, I’m sending you all thoughts and prayers during this time. May you be comforted by memories of Christine’s strength and love of family and life. I feel blessed to have had such a caring, thoughtful godmother. Much love, Andrea
– Andrea Michaud
Dearest Heskett Family,Oh how I wish I could have seen her one more time…I just returned from Florida…Christina was one of the most incrediblel people I have ever known…..she always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room…..her smile warming.I miss her so since St. Patricks Church closed….I always could count on her being in the pew, halfway up the left hand isle… and never failed to greet me with that warm smile….She was sort of the First Lady of St. Pats……I will miss her, as you will, the family she so loved….because I loved her too.Cynthia K. McGarry
– Cynthia K. McGarry
So sorry for your loss, just found this information.My prayers are with you all.
– patricia Joy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
– Steve & Lisa Moffett
Dear Robert, Tonya, and family,A friend in Portland sent me the link to your mom’s obituary. I am so sorry – I remember visiting with both you and your mom when I was going to school in the Portland area and when I was working one summer at Sabbath Day Lake. Your mother’s photo is so lovely and she looks so much like a Qualey. My deep condolences to you all – If you are ever in Alaska, please come visit. We live in Gustavus, right at the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park. ~ Annie
– Ann Osgood Mackovjak
My deepest condolences to your family, Bobby and Tonya. Great Aunt Tina was an incredible women. I have so many fond memories, whether it was playing horseshoe or just talking on the back porch talking . I know she’s with God now, but she will be greatly missed.
– Michael Savard
I have fond memories of Tina from several years ago, especially at Highland Lake…her kindness, her ever-present smile, and twinkling eyes. My condolences to her family.
– Carolyn Hansen Nedza
Wonderful tribute to Aunt Tina. She was an incredible women and will be missed.
– Christine Hamm
That beautiful smile will forever live in my heart. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Christina, she was a dear family friend. I will never forget the summers at Highland Lake, with she, Ken and Bobby. My family is saddened by the loss of this wondetful, kind, thoughtful lady. RIP Chris, love and prayers and deep condolences to the entire family. God Bless
– Cheryl A Noel