Jean Ellen Emmons

October 13, 2026

Jean Ellen Emmons, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the age of 91. Her life was filled with love, family, cherished traditions, and countless memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A lifelong resident of Portland, Maine, Jean also enjoyed several wonderful years in Port Charlotte, Florida, where she made special memories with dear friends. In her final months, she was cared for by the wonderful team at Freeport Place Assisted Living, whose kindness and compassion brought comfort during this time. A special thank you to the staff at Northern Light Home Care & Hospice.

Jean’s own love story began at a dance at the Stevens Avenue Armory, where she met the love of her life, Carl. They danced the night away as though they had known each other forever. They married on October 20, 1956, in Portland, Maine, and honeymooned in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire. Together, they built a life and a family, sharing 38 years of marriage until Carl’s passing on August 31, 1994.

Their love was a special part of Jean’s life, and it is comforting to imagine them reunited in heaven, dancing together once more as their wedding anniversary approaches on October 20. Some love stories never truly end; they simply wait for the day they can begin again.

Family was the heart of Jean’s world. Such a generous woman and a great role model, as she loved family and her faith. Jean is survived by her beloved sister Carol, her 5 children Debbie, Mark, Diane, Kelley, and Jen, her 13 grandchildren Joe, Michelle, Andrew, Crystal, Corey, Meredith, Austin, Melanie, Carlene, Benjamin, Meghan, Holly and Erin, and her 14 great-grandchildren, William, Nora, Mia, Sophia, Max, Landon, Jayce, Luca, Masha, Olivia, Leo, Madison, (with another soon to arrive) and Theo and Wesley.

Jean devoted much of her working life to Mercy Hospital in Portland, where she worked as an EKG technician. Mercy held a particularly special place in her heart, as it was also where she welcomed all five of her children into the world.

Beyond her family, Jean found happiness in the simple pleasures that made life special. She loved the ocean, especially Higgins Beach in Scarborough, where she could enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the Maine coast. She looked forward to listening to the Boston Pops’ Fourth of July music, enjoyed the big band sounds she once danced to with Carl, and remained a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. She also loved a bowl of haddock chowder from DiMillo’s, a favorite that brought a little taste of home and happiness.

Rest peacefully, Mom. May you and Dad dance together again, just as you did that very first night. Until we meet again, you will forever be in our hearts.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 11 Am to 12 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Avenue in Portland, followed by a burial at Forest City Cemetery at 12:30 PM in South Portland. A gathering of friends and family will follow at Bruno’s Restaurant on Allen Ave. in Portland.