BIDDEFORD — Mina Zuke Lomac, 96, died peacefully May 14, surrounded by friends and family in her childhood home where she resided for many years.

She was born Aug. 3, 1917, the daughter of Julian and Mary Zuke. She grew up in Biddeford, graduating from Biddeford High School in 1936. She married Joseph M. Lomac a few years later and moved to Portland where they raised their family, a son, James and daughter, Julie.

A firm believer in the saying “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” she always found work that fit her love of life and people. She was a proud telephone switchboard operator, a job that eventually led her to a position operating the switchboard at the Eastland Hotel. From there, she moved to the front desk where she enjoyed speaking with many interesting people. The last part of her working life was spent as an assistant to her longtime friend, orthodontist Dr. Alfred Osher, a job from which she eventually retired at 75.

Above all else, she loved her family and friends and absolutely relished the roles of mother and grandmother. 

During her final years, she was nurtured by many memories, photographs, and visits from friends and family. She remained fiercely independent insisting on stoking her woodstove.

Her ability to stay in the comfort of her own home was largely attributed to the support provided by Dr. Patricia Stogsdill, caregivers, and many family members, especially her loving nephew, Robert Zuke and his family.

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She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Joseph Lomac and her brothers, Joseph and Julian Zuke.

She is survived by her son, James Lomac and wife, Sheila; daughter, Julie Tselikis and husband, Steven, all of Cape Elizabeth; grandchildren, Annie Tselikis, of Bangor, Jim Tselikis, John Fairfield, of Houlton, and Stobie Fairfield and her son Sangye Sherpa, of South Portland; brother-in-law, Walter Lomac and sister-in-law, Helena Lomac; sisters-in-law, Mary Lomac and Lorette Zuke, of Biddeford; and many special nephews, nieces and friends.

Visiting hours were held May 19. Prayers recited at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel May 20, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Cape Elizabeth. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.

Those who wish, may make donations in her memory to, Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 or the Center for Grieving Children, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101.

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