BUXTON, MAINE –Jeanene Wilson of Long Plains Road, Buxton, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Pine Point Nursing Center in Scarborough, from complications due to COPD . Jeanene was the daughter of Lynne and Ella May Conant. She attended Westbrook schools and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1955.
Jeanene was an avid lover of animals, especially horses. At an early age, she would surround herself with animals that required special care and attention. It was this strong desire to protect animals that led her to be appointed Animal Humane Protection Officer for the State of Maine, a position she held for over twenty years. During the course of this career, she brought several cases of animal abuse to court in every county in Maine, except Aroostook. She never lost a case.
Perhaps it was this dedication to the welfare of animals that led to an assignment in the Disney movie “Iron Will” (1994). She served as a representative from the American Humane Society and was on the set throughout the production.
Jeanene will be remembered as being an out-spoken, sometimes stubborn individual who rarely took no for an answer. Her gruff exterior hid a generous, warm heart and dry, witty sense of humor that endeared her to many people. In the performance of her duties as Animal Control Officer, she would often resort to methods that some would consider “illegal” as long as they contributed to the welfare of abused animals. Truth and Trust were very important to Jeanene. Her mother often told her that you could say anything as long as it was the truth.
Jeanene is predeceased by her parents and a brother, Donald Conant. She is survived by a nephew, Martin L. Conant of Bonita Springs, Florida, and a niece, Holly Malone of Columbus, Ohio.
Burial services will be under the supervision of Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Services and will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 11:00AM at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook, Maine. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.
Friends and family of Jeanene wish to extend their thanks and gratitude for the care she received while at home during her illness through Visiting Nurses and Dr. Belcher, Martin’s Point, and while at Pine Point Nursing Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine State Humane Society for the Protection of Animals.