Annie Bourke

Ann was born in Polleeny County of Galway, Ireland, on September 20th, 1941 to Thomas and Annie (Flaherty) Keane, the tenth of their eleven children.

Following the death of her mother at a very young age, Ann left school to help with the family farm. After the death of her father, Ann was sponsored by her sister, Peggy, to come to the United States at the age of 17.

Ann went to work at Weirhouser in Westbrook, where she would meet her lifetime companion, Jim Bourke, who was in such a rush to cash his paycheck he accidentally bumped into Ann, knocking her over!

Her Irish eyes must have been smiling because the couple married in 1961 at St. Dominic Church in Portland and they spent 62 years together, until her passing.

Ann & Jim raised their three children, James, Teresa, and Karen. As a devoted military wife and mother, Ann was the rock of the family, with frequent moves across the country along with long separations while Jim was away on active duty. She maintained the stability of a loving and nurturing home, a quality she extended throughout her entire life.

At the same time Ann earned her GED and then proceeded to take college courses. One being a class in shorthand writing, which she was very proficient in. This education led Ann to a career at Unum Insurance which spanned over twenty years.

“Naneen”, as she was known to her grandchildren as well as her great grandchildren, enjoyed spending time with them and attending many of their events.

Ann & Jim spent much of their time riding their Harley Davidson, exploring the country, and participating in many community and group rides.

Ann was an avid crossword competitor and sports fan, loving her favorite team, the New York Giants since the early 1960s, attending professional games from time to time with her family.

Ann is survived by her beloved husband James Bourke of Portland, her son James J Bourke & his wife Sally of New Bedford MA, daughter Teresa Bourke of Standish ME, daughter Karen Fitzgerald of Portland, grandchildren Adriane Williams, Lindsay Bourke, Taylor Pottle and her husband Michael Pottle, Devon Fitzgerald, her great grandchildren, Noah Greenwood, Autumn Macedo, Ayden Bourke, Chloe Macedo, and her sister Margaret “Peggy” Keane Hayden.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Annie Keane, and her siblings, Bartlett, Maura, Sean, Padraic, Michael, Thomas, Peter, Kate, and Martin.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, June 2nd from 11am-1pm at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland. Immediately followed by an interment at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. A reception will be held at Bruno Restaurant & Tavern, 33 Allen Avenue, following services.

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