Joan "Joann" (Paolino) McFarland

Joan “Paolino” McFarland, 85, surrounded by her family entered The Lords arms on November 15, 2023, at her home in Portland, Maine.

            Joan (aka Joann) was born on March 6, 1938, in Portland, Maine to Mary Anna Rega Paolino and Thomas Michael Paolino. She graduated from Portland High School in 1957 and had a successful career as a sales associate at Federal Market, Martins Grocery, Shop-n-Save, Quattucci’s Hilltop, Portland Press Herald, Hannaford and Publix in Florida. Upon retiring she worked Part-time at Upscale Consignment and Falmouth Public Schools.  

            Joann met her husband of 58 years, Richard L. McFarland at Federal Market then again at Scarborough Downs Race Track where he asked her out on a date and the rest is history. They married on August 5, 1965, and moved to Waterville, where they had 2 beautiful girls, Maria and Denise then settled in Falmouth, Maine where they raised their family of 4.

            A beloved Wife, Sister, Mother, Nana, Aunt, Great-Aunt, Cousin, and friend, she held you all deeply in her heart and soul. It wasn’t possible for Joann to travel near or far and not bump into someone she knew. Friends would see her & they’d “chat it up” until her family would finally coax her away.      

            Joann was always up for an adventure. She loved to take rides in the car, especially to Long Island, New York to see her brother & his family, she loved to garden, knit, shop and always available to help others. Joann was a huge Maine Mariner/Portland Pirates fan, attending weekly games beginning in 1977, but her greatest joy was attending her grandchildren’s sports events. She was often the loudest voice in the stands, cheering them on! She was known as “Nana” too many of her grandchildren’s friends, her caregivers, and their families.          

            Joann is predeceased by her mother and father, Mary Rega and Thomas Paolino, brother Michael Paolino, his wife Evelyn Paolino, and Mother-n-Law Phyllis Raplee. Joann is survived by her loving husband, Richard “Dick” McFarland, sister Grace Paolino, daughters, Maria Locke, husband John and Denise Kaserman, husband Kevin, grandchildren Chelsea, Jon, Anna Decker, husband Chad, Julia, Kyle and JoJo, great-grandchildren Lola and Darby, along with several nieces, nephews and many friends.

            With great gratitude we want to extend our heartfelt thanks and praise to all the love and care “Nana” received from her caregivers and their families.

Children brought Joann so much joy and Christmas was by far her favorite holiday. In Lieu of Flowers please bring or have delivered an unwrapped toy/gift for ages 1 day - 17 years old to put under the Christmas Tree at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave. Portland, ME 04102. Donations will be delivered to local charity to brighten child’s Christmas.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday December 15, 2023 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue in Portland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday December 16, 2023 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 72 Federal St. Portland, Maine 04101.

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