Christina Q. Heskett Obituary (1920 - 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