Ann (Freiday) Ferreira
SOUTH PORTLAND- Ann Ferreira, age 68, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2017 at Gosnell Hospice in Scarborough after a courageous 10-month battle with small cell lung cancer. Born in Portland, in 1948, Ann was the daughter of the late William and Marian (Marshall) Freiday of Cape Elizabeth.Ann grew up in Cape Elizabeth, attending school there and later on in Standish. She graduated from her beloved Fryeburg Academy and had many fond memories of her time there. After briefly working in Boston, Ann moved to Portland and began a rewarding 40+ year career in Histotechnology in the labs at Maine Medical Center and NorDx in Scarborough. A hard worker and a loyal co-worker, Ann thoroughly enjoyed contributing to a team and the relationships built at work.
In the early 70’s Ann married Gregory Read of Portland and together had their son David. The marriage, though brief, was the beginning of lifelong friendships with Greg and many of his friends and family. This tight knit community explored the newly changing city, engaged in what the late sixties and seventies had to offer, and were instrumental in helping to raise David.The 80’s brought a marriage to Richard Ferreira, the birth of their daughter Katie, and the first of two moves to California. By the late 90’s Ann was back in Portland once and for all.
Ann loved the folk singer John Prine, reading (later in life trading-in Stephen King for 1000 channels and a DVR) and in recent years became avid fans of the Red Sox, Don and Jerry—in no particular order. Ann was extremely passionate about politics and a huge fan of the Obamas. If the cancer didn’t do her in, the next four years more than likely would have. Ann also loved to laugh and her close friends were more than happy to assist her with this. Most of all Ann loved her children. She was a devoted mother to David and Katie.
She is predeceased by her sister Kathryn Cullinan and brothers William and John Freiday.
Ann is survived by her son David Read and his wife Caitlin Reardon-Read of Salisbury, Massachusetts, and her daughter Kathryn “Katie” Ferreira of Portland. Ann leaves behind loving nieces and nephews, neighbors, co-workers and a close knit group of friends from the early days in Portland.
A private celebration of her life will be held in the coming weeks. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to the staff at Maine Cancer and in particular Karen; and to Gosnell Hospice and in particular Paulie, for their unflinching communication, support and caring for both Ann and her family. Hospice of Southern Maine is a vital local resource, providing loving and caring end of life support for the Southern Maine community. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Rt. 1 Scarborough Maine 04074. http://www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donations-volunteering