Janet E. Boland Obituary (1926 - 2019)

Saco - Janet E. Boland, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at Seal Rock Healthcare at Atlantic Heights in Saco, ME where she had been cared for. Janet was born in 1926 to Gladys and George Work of South Portland. As a child she enjoyed tap and ballet, performing in many venues in Southern Maine and Boston. She graduated from South Portland High School in 1944. Jan worked as a stenographer for the Associated Hospital Service of Maine. In 1951 she married John J. Boland, also of South Portland, after his service in WWII. They married at Holy Cross Church in South Portland and went on to raise their four children, John, Beth, Barb and Katie in Cape Elizabeth. Mom really lived life to the fullest. She loved being outdoors whether it be at the beach, golfing with Dad or "up to camp." She also enjoyed skiing, tennis, paddle tennis, reading, gardening, and was an avid bridge player. She excelled at golf and was a long-time member of the Portland Country Club in Falmouth where she won the Women's Club Championship in 1977, 1978 and 1980. All that time spent on courses rewarded her with three "hole in ones," one being in Florida where she and Dad enjoyed their winters. She was one of seven founders of Southern Maine Women's Golf Association and served on the board for 12 years. Mom was also passionate about her Red Sox, evidenced by her many letters to the organization offering her advice or just possibly a point or two on proper grooming. The same went for the judges on "Dancing with the Stars" when she found them "not fair" or "a little hard on someone." Mom was fiercely independent, living on her own until 91, then half-heartedly moving to Stroudwater Lodge where she grew to enjoy. She was tough; her longtime Irish doctor once said to her, "ye are not a wimp." She prevailed over severe claustrophobia to travel with Dad to Ireland to visit his relatives. With any broken bone or setback along the way she fought back determined to recover. Once, when rushed to the hospital for what later we teasingly dubbed "the fake heart attack," the doctor asked, "have you had any water today?" She replied, "yes, I had two scotch and waters at bridge." Mom's biggest achievement (she would brag), were us, her four children whom she was so proud of. She and Dad both instilled in us their strength, independence, morals and humor. We will sorely miss you Mom, may you be at peace now with our loved ones that have gone before you. We wish to thank the wonderful staff at Seal Rock and Beacon Hospice for their compassion and care for our Mom. Janet was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John J. Boland; her loving grandson, Taylor William Emmons; and son-in-law, George Sharkey; siblings, Betty Legere and Don Work. Janet will be lovingly remembered by her son, John Boland Jr. (wife Sandy); daughters, Beth Boland-Sharkey, Barbara Sullivan (husband Steven), and Katie Emmons (husband Mike). She was also a beloved grandmother "Nana Bo" to Lindsay, Alex, Joseph, Thomas, Patrick, Samantha, Mikey and four great grandchildren. Visiting hours celebrating Janet's life will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, December 4, at the Conroy Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10:15AM on Thursday, December 5, followed by an 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. A burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland. To view Janet's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund, www.temmons.org.