PORTLAND – Barbara Mary Mack of Portland, went to her heavenly reward on June 3, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving children. In her last years, she was a resident of Northwood Condominiums in Portland, where she was cared for with constant love and devotion by her son, Joseph. She often enjoyed visits by her many children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara was born in 1924 to Joseph Thomas Kearns and Mary Patricia Fitzgerald Kearns from Brookline, Mass. She was the middle of three children, Marie K. Wells, and Thomas Joseph Kearns of Mansfield; both deceased.

In 1945, while attending St. Margaret’s nursing school in Dorchester, a handsome young resident asked her out for a cup of coffee. Francis X. Mack M.D., forgot his wallet that day so Barbara paid for the first date. They were married on Oct. 15, 1946. Together they shared in countless trials, tribulations and joys as they brought 14 children into the world. The family started in Texas, where Francis served in the U.S. Army. They ultimately settled in Portland, Maine. There, Dr. Mack began the anesthesiology department at Mercy Hospital, where he served as chief of Anesthesia. In 1953 their son, Thomas, was the first of 10 children who would be born at Mercy Hospital. Stroudwater was the neighborhood where she devoted her life to raising her children. She was a daily communicant of the former St. Patrick’s Church on Congress Street. Sunday mass was an important part of life growing up in the Mack house, followed by a plentiful Sunday dinner when all were expected to sit down and be together as a family.

When Francis died in 1976, she took on the sole responsibility of raising the 10 remaining children at home, the youngest being 10 years old. It was during this time especially that her catholic faith provided her with strength and guidance. A few years later when Barbara returned to work as an R.N. she said “no one can ever take away your education”. For many years she worked at St. Joseph’s Manor as the night charge nurse.

Barbara was happiest when surrounded by family, especially at her house in Pine Point Beach. Her welcoming smile and endless generosity will remain with us forever.

She is survived by her 14 beloved children, Judith (Michael) Coil, Patricia Perkins, William (Diane), Mary Ermann, Thomas, Barbara Mack (Michael Foley), Justine (Steve) Freeman, Michelle, Kathleen (Daniel) Gordon, Francis X II (Lucy), Claire (Malcolm), Christopher (Olivia), Joseph, and Jennifer (Vincent) Connelly.

She was predeceased by three beloved sons-in-law, Peter McDermott, Ronald Ermann and Patrick Perkins. Known as ‘Gigi’ to her 19 grandchildren, Meaghan and Kevin McDermott, Kasie Perkins, Dylan and Deidra Mack, Alyssa and Daniel Ermann MD., Brice, Derrick, and Melissa Freeman, Conor Gordon and Kelley Epstein DNAP., Francis X Mack III, Joseph Mack M.D., Ethan and Molly Mack, Brendan and John Connelly, and Ysabella Mack. Gigi was also the great-grandmother of 10.

Mom would like to acknowledge the support of the Sisters of Mercy and the Jesuits of Portland for their help in educating so many of her children. She was a role model of understanding, poise, and patience. To her children she was a hero and a living saint. She took great comfort in her faith in the risen Lord, and prayed daily to our Blessed Mother.

Visiting hours celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on Monday, June 7, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 8, 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Burial will be private. To view Barbara’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

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