Philomena Cecelia "Mae" Carlista

Portland-Philomena Cecelia " Mae" Carlista 95, a lifetime resident of Portland and Newbury St. passed away November 24 at St. Josephs Manor after a short period of declining health. Philomena was born January 19, 1915 the daughter of Loreto and Beatrice Piacitelli. After graduating from Portland High School, class of 1934, she went on to pursue a career in nursing at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary and was a registered practical nurse at Portland City Hospital for 15 years. She was a devout catholic and communicant of St. Peters Roman Catholic Church where she attended church daily for many years.

Every summer she enjoyed the time she spent on Little Sebago Lake with her family, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. Philomena was a Foster Grandmother at Jack Jr. High School. She was a Lifetime member of the Italian Heritage Center and Sacred Heart Sodality.

Ma’s love and generosity to family and friends was admirable. Well into her late 80’s she insisted on cooking for her family. She especially enjoyed the traditional “Christmas Eve” Italian meal of seven fishes with family members. Ma’s life will continue to inspire her family, though her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

Philomena was a true matriarch of her family and was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She was lovingly known as Mae, Gram and Nana. Ma will be deeply missed by her family.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Samuel and her son Martin. She is survived by her son Thomas Carlista of Naples Me. and his wife Marcia (Russo) ; three sisters, Roxie Piacitelli and Mary Young Grimaldi both of So. Portland, Yolanda Hunter of East Millinocket; five grandchildren, Cathie Schouldis and her husband Jack of PA., Sharon Dupichie of Winthrop, MA., John and Patrick Bourke of Portland, ME., and Michelle Libby of Windham, ME.; six great-grandchildren, Juliana and Carlie Schouldis, Peighton, Ayden and Annaliese Bourke and Jonathan DuPichie. Also surviving are several loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and the Nursing Home staff for their devoted care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Sunday Nov.28, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, Monday, November 29 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church . Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.