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Mary Karatsanos Obituary
Karatsanos, 90
PORTLAND - Mary McKeough Karatsanos, 90, died on March 17, 2013. She was the daughter of Duncan M. and Mary A. (Gorman) McKeough. She attended Cathedral Grammar School and graduated from Cathedral High School as Valedictorian and the Maine School of Commerce
She was a lifelong resident of Portland. She attended St. Pius X and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception churches where she was both a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector. She was a graduate of the Parish Ministry Development Program and was a recipient of the Southern Maine Agency on Agency's Living Legacy Award.
Surviving are daughter, Marie, and her husband, P. Joseph Connolly of Raymond; and their daughter Mara of Portland, Ore. and son, Michael D. Karatsanos of Portland; and his son, Lee of Chicago, Ill.; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Lee in 1996; daughter Leanne Williams in 1998; and grandson Joshua Williams in 1997.
Mary K. was employed for many years in the insurance industry in both companies and agencies and was National President of the National Association of Insurance Women. She taught adult insurance classes and also Defensive Driving and was awarded the Governor's Trophy for Highway Safety.
She was very active in the lives of her children and served as president of several home and school associations. After retiring, Mary was an active volunteer with Mercy Hospital, The Monastery of the Precious Blood and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Senior College). She was a docent at the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Harbor Museum and The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
A 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 23, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Arrangements by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolences may be made to the family at ctcrawford.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations
may be given to:
Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception
307 Congress St.
Portland Maine, 04101
Mary McKeough
Karatsanos
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Karatsanos
March 24, 2013
To Mary's families and friends: My nemories of Mary K. are too numberous and wonderful to mention here. One of the best was the July, 1996 trip to Portland to stay at her house with a few other insurance women. She also visited me more than once. We all had huge respect for her and her accomplishments as well as sincere love. Mary's friend always, Carolyn Furlong, Miami, Florida
Pat Crockett and family
March 23, 2013
Marie, Joe and family
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Lesli Pike
March 22, 2013
Mary will be dearly missed. My sincere sympathy and God Bless.
Nash Kerrigan
March 22, 2013
To the Karatsanos family: I've know Mary since the late 40's from the Cathedral Parish,& Sodality and have been a neighbor of hers for 20 years. I always admired her many talents, and although did not see her a lot, will miss her presence. ~Nash Kerrigan
March 22, 2013
Marie, Michael & family
Sadden to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was one of a kind & touched so many lifes. We had so much fun together at Ins meetings around the country and personal visits. She installed me as Pres. of VAIW, attended my 1st Reg I conference as Director of Reg I & attended my 1st National Convention in Portland, Oregon when she was running for VP of NAIW. We always kept in touch since early 1970's and I thank God for the special memories shared in being a part of my life. God Bless you all. Janet J Johnson, 129 Winchview Dr., Northfield, Vt 05663
Dee
March 22, 2013
Wishing you Comfort and Peace
Gail Putney
March 22, 2013
Marie, Michael and family
My deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother. I met her through the Ins Women and we use to have so much fun at the conventions and making the girls a member of the Turtle club. She eas a gret lady and will be greatly missed.
Nolly & Brian Lamberts
March 21, 2013
Michael, Marie & Joe
I was one of The "Divine Nine" and loved your Mother as the wonderful character that she was. I worked on the National Convention when she was installed as NAIW President and respected her efforts and convictions. She was a progressive woman and believed in Women's Rights and spoke on many occasions promoting women in government. Whatever soothes your spirit, comforts your soul, and brings you all peace, that's what you're wished at this sad time!
Kellie Connolly
March 21, 2013
Grammy P you were the strongest women I ever met you and Aunt Marie were there for me when i was ready to give up you made me strong and gave me wisdom to pass along.My prayers for you you Aunt Marie i hope i am as strong as the three women in my life Aunt Leanne Grammy P and Aunt Marie may god give you peace.
Dot Whitney
March 20, 2013
Mary Karatsanos was a good friend and a great neighbor. We shared emails, working at the polls, chatting over the fence between our back yards, and more important..,worshiping at the Cathedral. My family and I will miss her very much. May she rest in peace!
Sister Mary Aloysius
March 20, 2013
Dear Michael, Marie and Joe,
My deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear mother. She spoke so highly of all of you. Family meant so very much to her. Joe, you don't know how many times she asked for prayers for your health. (Take care of yourself for her sake.) Mary was a great woman and a true friend. I will miss her dearly! Yet I know she is just a prayer away. You still have her love and her help from heaven.
You are all in my daily prayers. God give you peace,
Sister Aloysius
Sheila Russell-Olivieri-Rinck
March 19, 2013
My heartfelt love and prayers go with Marie, Michael and families. Mary K was my second Mom after mine died in 1987. MaryK taught me more about the rights and wrongs of being at a head table. And helped me through my years of going up the ladder in NAIW. She was most loved by most everyone I knew. May her new life with our Lord be so extra ordinary it will take her breath away with the purest love there is. I will always miss her until we meet again.
Joyce Bichlmeier
March 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Joyce A. Bichlmeier CPIW
Ruthie (Hackenberger) Noble
March 19, 2013
"Peg" was her childhood nickname - to her "girls" she was Mary K. She had a huge impact on my life in 1984 when she honored me with a job offer during her management of the Portland office of AAA insurance agency. I drank the kool aid and boarded the train for the ride of a lifetime. Mary was the engineer, the conductor and the ticket taker - it was the start of a cherished, life-changing relationship. Mary K. was my true mentor, a respected leader, a beloved friend and trusted confidant, firey and determined - lovingly stubborn and loyal, a commanding presence, warm and generous, her laughter rang out! Such expressive hands to reinforce an opinion - her strength and (com)passion lives on in Marie, Michael and most certainly her grandchildren. The world feels different now - in Mary's memory we share a stepped up responsibility to make a difference. My love to the Karatsanos family, with us in life or in spirit.
March 19, 2013
Dear Marie, Joe, & Michael,
So sorry to hear the loss of Mary K. Mary was such a great lady. I feel very honored to have known her. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you and your families.
XO Jeanne Shrum
Virginia Beach
March 19, 2013
Sending thoughts of sympathy and love from Raleigh to Marie and Joe- The Beaches
Ellen Poole
March 19, 2013
As one of the "international" group of insurance women, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mary K, bonding immediately, serving when she was president and becoming part of her quilt of lifelong friends. I will miss her wisdom enormously. My sincere condolences to Mary's family. God bless each of you. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Jacobsen
March 19, 2013
Dear Marie and Michael,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I will always have fond memories of her sending Leanne to our house with Greek pastries at Christmas time. She was a great lady.
Ruth Jacobsen
March 19, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to Marie, Joe and Mike. Eternal Rest grant unto Mary. May she rest in peace.
God Bless,
Betty & Ed Cyr
Margaret LaCombe
March 19, 2013
Dear Marie,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Catherine Jacobsen-Landry
March 19, 2013
Michael and Marie, & families: I was very saddened to learn of Mary's passing. What an amazing woman! I have many childhood memories of my times spent with Leanne at your home! The door was always open and welcoming. Mary made some of the best Greek and Irish pastries/dishes! She will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to you all. Cathi Jacobsen Landry
Linda Cohen
March 19, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Marie, Michael and their families. I knew Mary from her work as Election Warden when I became City Clerk in Portland. When my Mom passed, Mary was very supportive and caring. She was devoted to the election process, and the City of Portland was very lucky to have her service. Rest in peace, Mary.
Bill and Lou Cash
March 19, 2013
We sympathize with your loss and pray God will give you strength to overcome this grief. May Glod bless you with his love. Stay strong and remember she will always be alive in your hearts and many memories.
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Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes - Portland172 State Street, Portland, ME 04101
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