Janet Frances Halligan

Janet Frances (Murphy) Halligan died peacefully at her home in Falmouth surrounded by her large and loving family. True to her Irish roots she fought a surprisingly long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and left this world on her own terms.

Born in Portland on April 8, 1931, she was the daughter of William and Olive (Sanderson) Murphy, she grew up in East Deering and attended Portland High School. She was the youngest of seven children who have all preceded her in death.

The King of the PHS Valentine dance, David A. Halligan Sr.,picked her as his queen and they were married in 1948. They would have celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in November. They moved to Falmouth in 1956 where they raised seven children. She worked in the office at King’s Department Store and then at Rich’s Department Store until her retirement.

Janet was actively involved in all her children’s activities which included Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and numerous athletic and sporting events. For over 60 years she and her husband could be seen in the audience or the stands supporting all the activities of her extended family. She proudly followed the Falmouth teams, especially those coached by her son. Her home was the gathering center for most holidays and anything family oriented. The Christmas season was her favorite time of year and family traditions were very important to her. Janet opened her arms, her heart and her home to family and friends alike. She was loved and admired by many for her welcoming ways and gift of acceptance.

She enjoyed picnics at Bug Light and Fort Williams, cruises with family and friends and traveling to new and familiar places, One of her favorite spots was Disney World which she managed to visit almost annually. On their 65th Anniversary she and Dave were chosen as Disney Ambassadors to open the gates of the Magic Kingdom.

She enjoyed playing card games (for nickels) with her grandchildren and doing jigsaw puzzles with her husband. Most recently she liked participating in Bingo at St Pius Church where she has been a long time communicant.

As a teenager she was predeceased by her parents. All of her sisters, Margaret Brown, Florence Goodwin, Louise Jensen, Natalie Jane Madore and brothers, Alfred Murphy and James Murphy have also passed.

She is survived by her husband David Halligan, Sr.and all of their children: Catherine Munroe and husband Alan of Sebago, David Halligan, Jr. and wife Joy of Falmouth, Peter Halligan of Greenville, Pamela Loubier of Gorham, Karen Berry and husband David of Orono, Colleen Starkey, and husband Thomas of Falmouth, Claire Clonan and husband Richard of Scarborough. Seventeen grandchildren will miss Nana’s loving and accepting ways, They are Kimberly Gatchell, Gregory Johnson, D. Andrew Halligan (Katie), Patrick Halligan (Maureen), Anna Halligan, Todd Halligan, Addie Halligan, Amanda Loubier, Clayton Loubier, Benjamin Berry (Kristin) Molly Berry,Timothy Berry, Matthew Starkey (Melissa), Katie Starkey, Thomas Starkey (Emily), Mairead Clonan and Patrick Clonan. Eight great-grandchildren were lucky enough to learn about her motto of family first. They are Ashley, Camryn and Bailey Gatchell, Jack and Harper Halligan, Seamus Halligan, Dylan and Kyle Berry. Number nine, Baby Starkey due in March will surely be watched over from above.

We would like to thank VNA Home Health Hospice, especially the two Susans, Lynne and Erica for their guidance and help through this journey.

The family would like to invite you to offer your condolences and share your stories during visiting hours at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland on Sunday, January 21st from 4:00 to 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 22nd at 11:00am at St. Pius X Church, Ocean Ave, Portland ME. Interment will be in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth.

For those who wish to remember Janet in a meaningful way, she would like to continue supporting her great grandson who was born with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) requiring a ventilator and nursing care round the clock. In lieu of flowers, Janet requested that donations may be made to a fund set up in his name: Seamus Halligan c/o TD Bank