Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joan Canavan Obituary
BEDFORD -- Joan Catherine Canavan, 77, formerly of Portland, Maine, died Oct. 24, 2010.
She was born Feb. 22, 1933, in Portland, to Joseph P. and Barbara A. (Concannon) Canavan. She was educated in Portland and was a 1951 graduate of Portland High School. She received a certificate of management from the University of Southern Maine in 1967.
She worked for New England Telephone from 1952 to 1984, retiring as district manager from Boston. In 1970, she was one of the first women in Maine to be promoted to a management-level position within the company.
In 1972, she and a partner opened the Jerry Lewis Cinema in Portsmouth.
Over time, under the name of Canad Cinemas, their business grew to own seven theaters in southern New Hampshire with 46 screens. She and a partner also opened and operated 1279 Associates, a real estate company based in Manchester.
She was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bedford.
Family members include her sister, Eleanor Hill of Chebeague Island, Maine; eight nieces and nephews, 18 grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and numerous great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews.
SERVICES: Visiting hours will be Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. Friday at the chapel, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Maine. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Canavan
Phil Graves
October 20, 2024
Every time I pass by our Jerry Lewis/Canad Cinema I think
Of Joan and the wonderful
Times we had o
Phil Graves
October 20, 2023
If you ever crossed paths or were fortunate to have known Joan you could not forget her. As I have aged since my association with her when confronted with a situation I have often thought "How would Joan have handled this?"
Rest in peace my friend.
Phil Graves
October 31, 2010
I worked for Joan since early 70's stating out at The jerry lewis Cinma. I have never met such a caring and fun Boss to have, She has been a great friend through all the years. I will miss you Joan. Thank- You
Chuck Linn
Dover, NH
Mary Amsler
October 27, 2010
I worked in Boston in 1984. I remeber the day she came in to tell her Boss that she was going to retire and buy a cinema. He just laughed and said are you sure you know what you are doing. You are giving up a great career to buy a movie theater little did he know how successful she would become. She was the nicest person to everyone she met and always knew you.
haven't seen her since that day back in 1984 but always thought about her when I went past the Cinema as I live in Portsmouth.
God will reward her for all of her fine deeds she did for everyone.
Phil Graves
October 26, 2010
It is with much sadness that I learn of Joan's passing. Joan was a very special person to many. Her sense of fairness, compassion and honesty were evident to all who knew her.
It was a pleasure to work with Joan during the 25 years of Jerry Lewis/Canad cinemas.
I will miss her greatly.
PTPC, Joan
Jason Graves
October 26, 2010
It is very sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I grew up knowing Joan as my father managed the Jerry Lewis/Canada Cinema in Portsmouth. She always treated our family as part of her own and for that we are very grateful. She will be missed.
October 26, 2010
I could not let Joan's passing go by without saying what a wonderfully kind and thoughtfull person she was. Kevin Watts
Susan Watts
October 26, 2010
Joan...you will be missed more than you know...you inspired me to be the person I am today...I love and miss you already...God Bless You...
Susan Watts
October 26, 2010
You will be missed than you know...I love you and you will always have a special place in my heart...God Bless you!
Marty Goldman
October 26, 2010
Only the good die young!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Joan Canavan's name
Memorial Events
for Joan Canavan
How to support Joan'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Joan Canavan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
