PORTLAND – We, the family of Marguerite Louise Whitehead, are saddened to announce her peaceful passing on Feb. 26, 2021.

Louise was born Nov. 12, 1932, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Anne (MacIsaac) and Joseph Connolly. The large Connolly family lived in Sydney River and later moved to Sydney. Louise was in the first graduating class from Riverview High School in 1951 and trained at St. Rita’s hospital as an x-ray technician, graduating in 1953.

After graduation, Louise moved to Boston where she worked in diagnostic imaging at Peter Brent Brigham Hospital. She met her life partner, Larry Whitehead, at a social event and he proposed to her on their third date. They married in Sydney in October of 1958, and moved to Cape Cod where Larry was stationed in the military.

Larry’s military career, and work at NOAA, necessitated several relocations, and in each location, Louise created a welcoming home environment for her family and became involved in community events. Louise became the fabric of every neighborhood and community, and always lent a helping hand, from making a splint for the broken leg of her new immigrant neighbor’s chicken, to providing lunch and after school care for neighboring children.

The family moved to Portland in 1974. As her children became more independent, Louise returned to the work force. She held progressively responsible accounting positions at Emery Waterhouse, and later worked with Bob Trail as he established Olsten Temporary Services. Larry frequently said that, in another generation, Louise would have been vice president of Exxon. We think maybe president.

Louise was an avid bridge and poker player, a fierce cribbage player, and lover of Scrabble games with her sister Barbara, family, and friends. Louise was a long-time member of Willowdale Golf Club, and she often said that her long-time World Gym membership would look good in her obituary: we are pleased to accommodate her. Louise was a long-time member of the Women’s Literary Union (WLU), serving as both treasurer and president.

Louise was an avid and tireless community contributor and volunteer, working many years at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen and at Saint Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen. She supported many individuals in need, and she had a heartfelt love and respect for serving people in her community.

Louise is survived by her four children, Dr. Bruce Whitehead (Alicia) of Dallas, Dawn Kenniston (Joel) of Portland, Dr. Charles Whitehead (Kim Emery) of Gorham, and Nancy MacLellan (Michael DeCoste) of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Louise, known as “Meme”, is also survived by her grandchildren, Erin, Calen (Jessica), Daniel (Meg), Jeffrey (Veronica), Maggie (Matt), Kathryn, Cameron (Kristen), Joshua, Jennifer (Theo), Owen and Lily; her great-grandchildren, Norah, Sadie, Grace, and August; and her ‘bonus’ grandchildren, Ryan (Chelsea), Zach, and Nick. Louise is also survived by her sister, Eileen Gillis, brother Rev. Owen Connolly, and her sister, Barbara Matheson, with whom a special relationship was built as they raised their families together.

Louise was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Lorimer “Larry” Edward Whitehead; and siblings and their spouses, John Connolly (Leah), Pat Connolly (Bette), Dennis Connolly (Mary), Kaye Connolly, Ann Culligan (Joe), Ray Matheson, and Paddy Gillis.

Louise made everyone, with whom she made contact, feel special. She was a life force and had an amazing sense of humour.

We, her family, express enormous gratitude to Dr. Kelsey MacDonald, Dr. Hank Sesselberg, their amazing staff, and the angels at Hospice of Southern Maine, especially Janet, Tracy, Ali.

A funeral service will be held, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when Covid restrictions allow. A graveside committal will be held in Portland following services in Nova Scotia. Details of the services will be shared when known.

To share memories of Marguerite or to leave the family an online condolence please visit, http://www.athutchins.com.

Donations, in Louise’s honor, can be made to

Hospice of Southern Maine

online at https://hsm46624.thankyou4caring.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298

or mailed to

Hospice of Southern Maine

390 U.S. Route One,

Scarborough, ME 04074.