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Nancy Araujo Obituary

Nancy Herlihy Araujo, 62 WESTBROOK -- Nancy Herlihy Araujo, 62, of Glenwood Avenue, passed away on Oct. 6, 2009, at the Maine Medical Center following a brief illness, surrounded by her family and friends. Born in Portland on July 30, 1947, the daughter of Thomas and Alfreda (Blumenthal) Herlihy, she graduated from Deering High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Southern Maine. Nancy was employed with Maine Medical Center for 22 years as a systems analyst. She spent her time with her cats, gardening, cooking, and reading. Time with family and friends was most special to her. She was predeceased by her parents; and a brother, Michael, who passed away in 2008. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Araujo and her fiancé Daniel Hillock of Limerick, son, Adam Araujo and his significant other Leslie Long of South Portland; sister, Kate Herlihy and her husband Don Houghton of Connecticut; nieces, Sarah, Rebecca, and Morrgan; and many cousins, relatives and friends. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning at 2 p.m. at her home, 82 Glenwood Ave., in Westbrook. Arrangements are with Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home - Buxton. www.dcpate.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Cleo Fund 346 Danforth St. Portland, Maine 04102-3609 (207) 773-6221 Nancy Herlihy Araujo


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

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Oct. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Araujo

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Steve Snyder

October 28, 2009

I recall memories of Nancy at Deering High and a pool party she hosted in Westbrook. She had a well developed sense of humor and kept us laughing. Sending her family my sincerest sympathies. With the fondest of memories.

Paige Hillman

October 16, 2009

Nancy. I didn't know her very well but I thought she was awesome. With her one of a kind laugh and constant smile. She was a lot of fun to be around, she had a great energy.
I'll miss her..
Wherever you are Nancy, keep on rockin!

Annette Araujo

October 10, 2009

Although I can not be there with you both,you are in my heart and prayers and always have been.Physical contacts are only superficial,but what is always in are hearts true and real.
Love Grandma

Jamie Tarbox-Small

October 9, 2009

Nancy...

"A truly strong woman is a force that is so very dynamic
A woman whose strength comes natural and is somewhat majestic
It is an innate inclination, impulse and drive
She loves and accepts herself completely, knows shes not perfect yet and still she strives
A strong woman is no more in control of how she feels than anyone else
She's merely choosy, for she knows completely the full value of her self
She is not foolish, nor unintelligent, unreasonable, short-sighted or vain
She recognizes clear fault lines, indicating inability to bear substantial strain
The strong woman is not bitter, not angry or scorned
She merely yields to her wisdom as if shes been warned
She does not blame anyone and is grateful for the love that she shared
She is comfortable on her own, she need not be paired
She knows that what she wants, needs, desires and deserves
It exists somewhere, and she won't stop looking until it is served."


Nancy, are the most naturally wild and strongest woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will always love you as my mother and my friend. Thank you for all you have given me.

Uncle Steve, Aunt Pam,Kev

October 9, 2009

The first time we met Mom was at a party for you Jen. I thought that she had one of the most beautiful smiles. Later on as we got to know her better I realized that she was as beautiful on the inside as her smile. Now we know where you get it from. Thinking of You All

joyce Evon

October 9, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you both, Jenna and Adam and I send my sincere love. Only God has the answer to Why?
Please get in touch when you can.
I am unable to travel right now, or I would be up there for you guys.
Love Aunt Joyce and Uncle Fran

Sarah Dearing

October 9, 2009

To Nancy,
You were and are a

'Phenomenal Woman'
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies,
I'm not cute of built to suit fashion model's size
Ben when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips,
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
The flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun in my smile,
The ride on my breast,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me. (Nancy)
~MA


I love you and miss you but will hold you close every day as I endeavor to be at least 1/2 as Phenomenal as you.

Rev. Andrew Wilson

October 8, 2009

Nancy always made me smile. God bless all of you who love her still.

Glenn Mitchell

October 8, 2009

Jenna and Adam -

I worked with your mom for many years at MMC. During that time, she and I had lots of long talks sharing the trials and tribulations of parenting. She loved you dearly and always wanted the best for you. She was as very special person and will be missed by all who knew her. May God bless you all.

Lisa Chuluda

October 8, 2009

Adam and Jenn,
I'm terribly sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

sharon owens(cousin)

October 8, 2009

To Jenna, Adam,Kate and the rest of the Family,
There are not enough words at a time like this that will fully express my deepest sympathy. But my prayers and thoughts will be with you in the days to come. I have fond memories of Nancy even though I only had a few times to spend getting to know her. It is difficult having family so far away and staying connected to them. Especially when our generation is now the ones that are leaving behind those that will carry on. I am sure Nan is in Heaven celebrating with family as we speak! I hope you will find and hold on to the beautiful memories you had of Nan and keep them in your heart forever.

Anne-Marie Sharron

October 8, 2009

Jennifer ,Adam, Kate,

I’m shocked and so saddened to hear of the loss of Aunt Nancy. She was a wonderful person. I will forever be grateful to her for taking me in that summer of 86. She cared for me like I was one of her own. I also remember her love for the “kitties”, but what I remember the most was her love for you guys. I hope that your surrounded by much love and support at this time. I’m sending much love and prayers from CT.

Valerie (Val) Laborde (Davis)

October 8, 2009

Nan, my oldest bestest girlfriend.going back almost 50 yrs. she loved fiercely, loyally, passionately. from jr hi to Deering to U.Maine..so many wonderful wild and crazy,unforgettable memories. am on my way from Calif to hug Jenna, Adam, Kate and the rest of her family and friends...the kitties too.

Carole Ireland

October 8, 2009

Nancy and I attended the same middle school and high school. I remember her well. So sorry for your loss.

Sandi Lamb

October 8, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Rick Emery

October 8, 2009

God Bless You Nancy.... You raised some wonderful children. Love You amd Miss You.
Rick, Melissa, Brian, James, and Melanie

October 8, 2009

To Nancy's friends and family, and of course, to my closest and dearest friend, Kate, I am so sorry. I remember Nancy from years ago, going to visit her in Woodstock, CT when the kids were small, spending time with her when she visited Kate, and having her stop in here at my home in Connecticut. There are not enough words to express my sympathy. You are all in my thoughts.

Lisa Wallace

October 8, 2009

Nancy, you will be missed by so many. May you fly with the angels now and watch over your family and friends, you were like a mother to all. I consider myself blessed to have known you and saddened that you left us way too early. Jenn, Dan, Adam and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

tenney gavaza

October 8, 2009

i am jane mitchell's sister and want you to know that through the years i saw nancy alot and am so sorry we have lost such an outgoing and talented friend.bless you all and know that my thoughts and blessings are with you each day. my love to you all,tenney gavaza

Jennifer Santamore

October 8, 2009

Jennifer and Adam, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nancy Farr

October 8, 2009

I worked with Nancy at MMC for a few years. Sorry for your lost.

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