Edith A. Cross

Edith Duncanson Cross, 97, a longtime resident of South Portland, died peacefully, Tuesday evening, April 21, 2015 at Seaside Nursing Home, in the loving presence of her family, ending a long, healthy, happy, and spirited life. She was born in Portland on August 6, 1917, to Gertrude and Perley Loring. She attended Portland schools, regretfully suspending that attendance to care for her younger sisters. An immensely proud woman, throughout her life what she lacked in formal education she more than made up for in energy, determination, and a willingness to learn. Blessed with a tremendous work ethic, she began a lifetime of employment at a young age finally retiring from Fairchild Semiconductor in 1985. Though sometimes working two jobs, she maintained an immaculate home and was a constant source of unconditional love, support, and guidance to her children. There was no task that she would not tackle. Typical of many of her generation, she never complained or begrudged others’ success; but always strove to ensure a better life for her children. She always managed to find time to laugh and have fun. She loved to sing and dance; found great pleasure in her miniature poodles, and enjoyed watching the Boston Celtics (especially the Larry Bird era), the Boston Red Sox, and golf on Sunday afternoons with her son. She always looked forward to shopping and going to lunch with her daughter and granddaughter. The Village Café was her favorite restaurant. In retirement she became a voracious reader and would complete the daily crossword puzzle, Cryptoquip, and jumble before she had finished her morning coffee. She always enjoyed meeting with her friends at the VFW Post in South Portland, and cooking Sunday dinners. But perhaps her greatest pleasure was simply sitting around the kitchen table talking and sharing a cup of tea with her family.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Don Duncanson Sr. and Reginald Cross; and her sisters, Gertrude Crawford, Evelyn Kumiszcza, Alice Fruzia, and Betty O’Brien. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Hill and her husband, Dave of Gorham; her son, Don Duncanson Jr. and his partner, Dawn Alley, of Portland; her stepsons, Doug Cross and his wife, Pennylee of Augusta; Randy Cross and his wife, Kathy of Mesa Az.; stepdaughter Pam Cross, of Turner; grandchildren, David Hill Jr., Denise Hill, and Christopher Cross; three great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to some of the wonderful caregivers at both the Portland Center for Assisted Living and Seaside Nursing Home for their care and kindness. There are too many to mention but you know who you are.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Edith’s memory may do so to the Animal Refuge League: PO Box 336, Westbrook ME 04098, or to the Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Rd. # 5 S. Portland ME 04106.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 4-7 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress St. Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Edith’s online guestbook.