BUXTON – Julie Pompeo, a single mother who worked at FairPoint for many years and helped operate two family businesses in Buxton, died Tuesday after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 42.

She was the mother of 15-year-old Peter Pompeo, a sophomore at Bonny Eagle High School. She was remembered by her family Wednesday as a nurturing and charismatic woman who dedicated her life to her son.

“She was a very loving mother,” her mother, Carolyn O’Brien, said as she broke down in tears Wednesday afternoon. “Yup, she was. She was always there for Peter.”

Ms. Pompeo rose to the challenges of raising a teenage son as a single mother. She never married.

For about 12 years, she worked as a directory assistant at FairPoint Communications. She left FairPoint a few years ago to focus on her health.

Ms. Pompeo was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2009.

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Her mother said she received numerous treatments, including a double mastectomy. She went into remission, but the cancer returned to her bones and spread to her liver.

Throughout her illness, Ms. Pompeo stayed positive and upbeat. She helped operate the family businesses, O’Brien Brothers Inc. and Pompeo Sand & Gravel in Buxton.

Her brother John Pompeo said Wednesday that she worked in the office and helped with anything he needed.

“She was a hard-working girl,” he said. “I could call her any time of the day and she would do what I needed. I’ll miss her being here.”

Ms. Pompeo grew up in Gorham, and graduated from Catherine McAuley High School in Portland in 1988. She moved to Buxton about 12 years ago, where she lived near her mother.

Her mother said they had a close relationship. She said her daughter had many friends and was well-liked in the community.

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Close to 20 people commented on Pompeo’s obituary posted on A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services website.

Sara Friel Russ wrote, “I will always remember the way Julie’s smile had so much love behind it. She was truly an angel here on Earth.”

Wayne Porter, who worked briefly with Ms. Pompeo, noted her smile and sense of humor.

“I had the great pleasure of working (with) and getting to know Julie these last few months,” he wrote. “From our first meeting, I knew what a wonderful warm person she was. I am thankful to have known her and will always remember that smile and her humor. My thoughts and wishes go out to her son Peter and her family.”

The day before Thanksgiving, Ms. Pompeo and her son went to live at her mother’s house. Her son will continue to live with his grandmother.

 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

 


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