SCARBOROUGH — Janet A. (McKenney) Sim of Scarborough died on Dec. 21 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief illness.
She was born on Dec. 30, 1934, to Gordon and Charlotte (Lowell) McKenney.
Janet grew up and raised her own two sons in Saugus, Massachusetts. When she struck out on her own in the 1980s, there was no stopping her. She moved to Southport Island in Maine where she and her family had spent many summers picking blueberries and enjoying each other’s company. Later, she moved to Florida where for a time, she worked as a waitress at the famed Gasparilla Inn. She moved to the Palm Bay area to be closer to her mother and stepfather, Arthur. When Janet returned to Maine 20 years ago, she took charge and built her own home in Alna where she cared for both her mother and Arthur in their final days. More recently, Janet lived in the Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough areas. Seven years ago, she met Ralph Seavey and often referred to him as “the fella she goes around with.” Ralph quickly became part of the family and was a wonderful companion for Janet.
Janet was a very hard worker. After she graduated high school, she worked at John Hancock and after she married, she worked as a waitress at the Flamingo Lounge, Kane’s Donuts, Heck Allen’s and for many years, the Tumble Inn diner. In Maine she earned her nursing assistant certificate and worked in several nursing homes. She also became a home health aide and took care of several long-term patients in their homes. Before she retired, she worked as part of a team of house cleaners servicing the coastal areas.
She enjoyed reading, antiquing, yard sales and construction projects. Janet also enjoyed quilting and creating stained glass projects for her family. In her later years, she took a wood shop class and constructed her very own bookcase. Janet was a very determined woman and when she decided to do something, she did it with no hesitation. She was never one to sit still and where most people struggle with change, she thrived on it.
Janet is survived and will be missed by her two sons, Gordon and his wife Susan of Saugus, Massachusetts and Allen and his wife Loretta of Ossipee, New Hampshire and two grandchildren, Lauren of Saugus and Michael of Austin, Texas. Janet also leaves her special friend Ralph. Ralph’s companionship, love and tremendous support over the past several years enabled Janet to stay in her home until her last days. She also leaves her beloved dog, Shelly.
Janet was the sister of Austin McKenney of Southport, Maine and Bruce McKenney of Riverview, Florida. She was predeceased by her brothers Gordon and John McKenney and also by her former spouse and father of her children, William Sim. She was also predeceased by her parents and stepfather, Arthur Howard.
Donations may be made on her behalf to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House at, Hospice of Southern Maine. Call (207) 289-3640 or e-mail at donate@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.
Arrangements by Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Homes in Saco. A graveside service will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco at a later date in 2021.
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