Search by Name

Search by Name

Geraldine Canning Obituary

Geraldine McDonough Canning
1935 - 2015
CUMBERLAND FORESIDE - Geraldine McDonough Canning passed away peacefully in her home on January 16, 2015 after a long illness. Gerrie was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 27, 1935 to Walter M. McDonough and Florence Murray McDonough and educated at the Academy of Notre Dame in Roxbury and Regis College in Weston. She married Charles Canning, Jr. of Augusta on December 29, 1956 while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. The couple lived in Athens, Georgia, Long Beach, California and North Quincy, Massachusetts before settling in Augusta, Maine and raising six children.
Gerrie was a passionate and loyal supporter of her entire family, attending sporting events, concerts and recitals whenever and wherever possible. She was a voracious reader and film buff, sharing her picks with a wide circle of like-minded people. Most received regular mailings of clippings and notices, always carefully considered and geared towards one's particular interest or vocation.
Gerrie had a special gift for nurturing people in the development of their respective callings, something her children, in-laws, and grandchildren felt keenly. She had a great sense of style refined by more than twenty years work in the retail fashion and home decor industry. She loved to help others create beauty in their lives whether it was a dorm room, first apartment or home, wedding, christening, or party. Gerrie had a fastidious sense of fashion and etiquette combined with an Irish sense of humor and an intelligent wit. A thing had to be done a certain way for the simple reason that that was the way it was done.
In order to stay current with her eleven grandchildren, she readily embraced all forms of social media from Facebook to Instagram. From this vantage point, she was able to monitor and comment on everyone's activities, delighting in the fact that she had intelligence on her grandchildren that even their parents were not privy to.
Gerrie was predeceased by siblings Eileen Turner, Roberta Joyce, George McDonough, Walter R. McDonough, and Thomas McDonough. She is survived by her children Marybeth, Charlie, Alice and husband John Senko, Gena, Keith and wife Maria, and Kevin; grandchildren Ella, Dave, Mateo, Holly, Anna, Grace, Jane, Sofia, Isabel, Michael and Christopher; brother Edward McDonough and wife Brenda of Kingston, Massachusetts, former husband Charles Canning, Jr. of Portland, college roommate and best friend Linda Donovan and husband Jim of Plymouth, Massachusetts; cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends.
The members of Canning / McDonough Family would like to express their thanks to the caregivers who looked after Gerrie with such devotion over the past year and a half. In particular, we would like to thank Shelly Hanson who achieved "grandchild" status in Gerrie's eyes, Debbie Harmon, and Andrea DuPont. Thanks also to Dr. Jim Kirsch, Glen Gervais and Gerrie's neighbors at Rockwood Condominiums.
In line with Gerrie's wishes, there will be a private family gathering. A ceremony of remembrance at Popham Beach is planned for the summer.
Arrangements to be handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. For online condolences, please visit www.ctcrawford.com.

In lieu of flowers, Gerrie has asked that donations be made to:
Regis College
235 Wellesley Street,
Weston, MA 02493),
Tri for the Cure Maine Cancer Foundation
170 US Route 1, Suite 250
Falmouth, ME 04105 or
the American Lung
Association of Maine
122 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
God bless.










To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Central Maine from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Geraldine Canning

Not sure what to say?





Paul Auger

January 10, 2024

Dear Geraldine
My GOD keep blessing You & your Family.
Love
Paul Courtenay.

January 23, 2015

to the canning family with deep sympathy for your loss.our thoughts are with you. sincerely john and lynn miller

Steve Stomel

January 20, 2015

Gena and Keith, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am sure she will be missed by all of you.

karen mongello

January 20, 2015

Dear Canning Family,
My sincere condolences to all of you!! Our Mother's friendship was truly remarkable, close to 60 years! She will be greatly missed by the entire Donovan family.

Don Russell

January 20, 2015

Dear Cannings,

Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Don

January 19, 2015

To the canning family I am so sorry to hear of Gerrys passing. We had some wonderful times together she will be in my prayers Love Joanne hegarty

Babb Family

January 19, 2015

Gena & Keith, Our family was so sorry to hear of you Mother's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Cassie/Doug, John/Lisa and Kids

Kathleen Eastman

January 19, 2015

Heartfelt condolences sent to the Canning and McDonough families. I worked for Pine State Tobacco Company for 15 years. Please except my prayers and sympathy for your loss.

Paul & Courtenay Auger

January 19, 2015

To all of the Canning Family

Our prays are with you always
May GOD bless you all.

The Pendletons

January 18, 2015

Dear Cannings,
Sending our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. We are so sorry for your loss of such an amazing Mother and Grandmother.

Connie & Bob Grenier

January 18, 2015

Our most heartfelt condolences to the Canning and McDonough families. Both Bob and I worked for Charlie and the Canning family at Pine State Tobacco and Vending. Our prayers are with you so sorry for your loss.

Debbie Harmon

January 18, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Canning Family at such a difficult time. Gerri, I will miss you dearly and I will always remember your "Words of Wisdom" you gave me over the past year. I will miss our laughs and tears and our conversations about life in general. I am so fortunate to have met you. You were a joy to help. You were blessed with a wonderful family.
Sincerely,

Cindy T.

January 18, 2015

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Ron Moody

January 18, 2015

My condolences to the Canning family..

reggie & lois gosselin

January 17, 2015

sincerest condolences for your loss. wishing all the cannings the best during these trying times.

Robert Weston

January 17, 2015

Marybeth,
So sorry to read of your loss of your mother.

Bob Weston

Luanne Pachios

January 17, 2015

Dear Charlie and Gena,
I was so sorry to read about the passing of your wife. And Gena, your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Fondly, Luanne

January 17, 2015

I'm very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hands. May God continue to comfort your family (Psalm 9:9,10).

Scott Winchester

January 17, 2015

Keith and Gena, I am sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Geraldine Canning's name

Memorial Events
for Geraldine Canning

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes - Portland

172 State Street, Portland, ME 04101

How to support Geraldine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Geraldine Canning's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more