Theresa A. Gillespie

Theresa A. Gillespie, 88
SOUTH PORTLAND - Theresa A. Gillespie, 88, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, at Fallbrook Woods, in Portland.
Born on July 24, 1929, in Berlin, New Hampshire, Theresa was the daughter of the late Adelard and Eva (Letellier) Langevin. In her early life, Theresa remained in New Hampshire where she married Robert Gillespie on Sept. 18, 1948. Robert and Theresa raised their family in Gorham, New Hampshire, until moving to Portland and then South Portland, where they made their home. Together they shared 43 years of marriage until Robert predeceased her in 1991.
Over the years, Theresa worked for Fairchild Semiconductor and Uncle Andy's Restaurant, and operated a wallpaper shop. However, the work she enjoyed the most was with South Portland High School cafeteria, where she enjoyed being known as "Nana" by her grandchildren and their classmates.
In the years after Robert's death, Theresa reconnected with an old neighbor who was also widowed, Sam Robinson. Theresa enjoyed traveling with Sam and spending time at his cottage on Sebago Lake. They shared many years together until his death in 2009.
Theresa had a quick sense of humor, loved to socialize, was a very good cook and loved to play golf. She also loved to read and was a wicked cribbage player.
Above all else, was her love for her family. Theresa adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She put them first in everything she did. Theresa was a loving and caring matriarch who will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents, husband, and Sam, Theresa was predeceased by five siblings.
She is survived by her children, Darlene Kelman, and husband Scott, of Bridgton; Jim Gillespie, and wife Jackie, of South Portland; Gary Gillespie, and wife Priscilla, of Scarborough; Scott Gillespie, and wife Pamela, of Lyman; and Karen Dunbar, and husband Steve, of Saco; grandchildren, Jason, Chris, Sean, Kelly, Melinda, Kristina, Josh, Sarah and Dillon; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Rita Gagne, Helen Ramsey, Norman Langevin and wife Annette, and Peggy Pettengill.
The family would personally like to give a BIG thank you to the staff at Fallbrook Woods and Hospice of Southern Maine for their wonderful care and support to our Mom and our family.
Visiting hours celebrating Theresa's life will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, from 4-7 p.m. at the
Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home,
172 State St., Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the
Alzheimer's Association of Maine
383 U.S. Route 1, #2C
Scarborough, ME 04074