Ann O’Donnell Mosley

PORTLAND – Ann O’Donnell Mosley, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 9, 2021.

The remarkable life of Ann began on Feb. 6, 1932. She was born in Portland, daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Ridge) Meehan. She graduated from Portland High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter moved to San Diego to help care for her nieces and nephews during war time. While she was in California, Ann met a young man at a USO dance. They had their first date at the San Diego Zoo. Little did either of them know, but that date would be the beginning of a 35-year marriage.

Ann married Clyde Mosley on April 28, 1953 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. They moved to her childhood home at 44 Turner Street on Munjoy Hill where they raised their family on the foundations of love and faith. Ann and her children experienced the untimely death of Clyde in 1988.

Clyde’s death was a formative period in Ann’s life. Up until this point, Ann’s primary focus was raising her children and maintaining her home while being involved in politics including being a Warden over the Ward 1, District 1 Voting Poll and serving on the campaigns of Governor Joe Brennan and Senator George Mitchell. She ultimately decided to start her life over to ensure she was able to provide and care for herself.

Ann decided to go back to working fulltime for the City of Portland in Voter Registration and as a receptionist at Portland Public Works. She thoroughly loved her jobs and made great friends. Outside of her normal day to day, she was also involved and fascinated with local politics, including registering voters. Ann retired from fulltime employment at the young age of 80 years old after serving nearly 25 years.

Above all else, there were three aspects of her life that were more important than anything: her Catholic faith, her family, and her Irish heritage. Ann was a devout Catholic and would attend various churches and sought out the best groups to keep novenas. She was proud of her Irish heritage and raised her children to be the same. Her many trips to Ireland brought back many novelties and wonderful memories from her favorite place. Ann loved her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Nana”.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ann is predeceased by all of her siblings, her twin sister, Joanne Coyne, Margaret “Marnie” Brown, Joseph D. Meehan Jr., Lucia Linton, and Thomas “Toppi” Meehan.

She is survived by her children, Michael Mosley and wife Kathleen of Portland, Marycatherine Cunningham of Dayton, and Joellen McGovern and husband Terrance of Scarborough. She was Nana to Alana (Brian) Fuller, Matthew (Jenna) Mosley, Brigid (Doug) McGovern, Owen Cunningham, Daniel McGovern, Caitlin Cunningham, Sean Patrick McGovern; and five great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Park Danforth, especially those at Clarks Terrace, and Dr. Richard Marino, for the loving care provided to Ann.

Visiting hours celebrating Ann’s life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14 followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Ann’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to The Park Danforth Clarks Terrace or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.


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