Richard & Alanna Besanko

Alanna Clarice Besanko, age 84 of Scott Dyer Rd formerly of Cape Woods Drive, Cape Elizabeth died Friday evening at Cape Memory Care after a long battle from Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Orange, Mass, June 22, 1930 the daughter of Kenneth and Clarice Cone. They moved to Athol, MA in her early school years. “Lana” graduated early from Athol High School. She was very proud of the fact that she skipped two grades. While she was high school Lana was a cheerleader, a professional ballroom dancer and an accomplished student. She had originally planned on attending the University of New Hampshire, but was swept off her feet by a dashing young policeman, Richard Besanko and they were married in 1948.

Lana was a stay home mom raising her 3 children until the children began school. She then began her working career for Avon where she had an outstanding career as a sales manager, winning many awards as the top sales manager in Massachusetts. In 1967, Lana and Richard moved to Cape Elizabeth where they resided until they moved to Manchester, ME in 1969. Lana was employed at the former Bank of Maine in Augusta. In 1975, Lana and Richard would return back to Cape Elizabeth to reside in Shore Acres. She was employed at the former Sun Savings & Loan as an Executive Assistant eventually promoted to loan officer and then as a branch manager. In 1987, Lana joined the staff at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home where she served as Office Manager until 1997. She later worked at Talbots for a while until she returned to Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home as a funeral attendant a position she absolutely enjoyed. Lana was a very outgoing and a professional woman who looked her best no matter what the task.

She was an active member of her church, South Portland Congregational Church, singing in the choir proudly for 40 years! Lana also joined and sang in the Choral Arts Society. She was also very active in the ABWA, Dress for Success, and in her Cape Woods’ homeowner’s association holding different positions over the years. Lana loved to travel although Richard hated it, so she went without him…. to England, Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, Florida, wherever she could go if flying was involved.

Lana and Richard were active members of the Augusta Country Club as well as Purpoodock Club for many years. They both loved the game of golf, and hosted friends and family over the years at their member guest tournaments.

On May 15th 2014, Alanna’s beloved husband Richard William Besanko died at the Gorham House. She is also predeceased by her sister Shirley, granddaughter Jessie Stead, son-in-law Rob Stead, sister-in-laws, Lois and Betty Besanko, brother-in-laws, Fred and David Besanko.

Alanna is survived by her children, Kirsten Besanko of Port St. Lucie, Fla,, Kerry and her husband (Gary) Grindeland of Portland, Oregon, Larry and his wife (Carol) Besanko of Gorham, Maine, grandchildren Rachel and her husband (Mike) Zani of Orange, Mass, Brandi Edgell of Fort Pierce, Florida, Colin and his wife (Amber) Stead of Denver, Colorado, Hannah Stead of Eugene, Oregon, Lauren Besanko of Portland, Maine and Ben Besanko of Gorham, Maine. She also leaves behind great grandchildren, Julia and Bella Zani, Ryan Stead and brother-in-law, Donald Marble of New Hampshire and several nieces and nephews throughout the country. Also her adopted family Robert, Debbie, Matthew and Megan Barnes of Cape Elizabeth.

Relative and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service for both Alanna and Richard on Wednesday August 6, 2014 at 12:15PM at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth where Military Honors will be presented by the US Marine Corp for Richard. Immediately following the service at Celebration of Life for Alanna and Richard will be held at 1PM at the Purpoodock Club, Spurwink Ave, Cape Elizabeth.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St.

The family would like to sincerely thank Cape Memory Care for their compassionate care of Alanna at the end of her life, Life Choice Hospice for their excellent guidance and help in the last few weeks , and Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 383 US Rt 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, Me. 04074, or to Cape Memory Care, 126 Scott Dyer Rd, Cape Elizabeth, Me. 04107, or Life Choice Hospice Care of Maine, 23 Spring St, Suite C, Scarborough, ME. 04074.