SACO — Anne M. Chisholm, 99, of Saco, passed away at home on June 28, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Biddeford, Maine on Feb. 11, 1919, a daughter of John and Angelina (Montecalvo) Mariello.
Anne graduated from Biddeford High School in 1936, and from Bay Path Institute, Springfield, Massachusetts in 1937 in business and secretarial disciplines. Years later, 1970, she attended classes at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, South Portland in Library Reference Services and, in 1972 graduated from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, Public Library Techniques summer program.
Anne was employed by New England Ship Building Company, South Portland in the IBM Room during World War II. She later worked for Saco-Lowell Shops as a purchase/receiving and inventory analysis clerk, where she met the love of her life, John (Jack). They were married on Sept. 5, 1953, in Poland Spring. While at Saco-Lowell, Anne was manager of the first Women’s Recreational Basketball team, the Girl Basketeers.
Several years after the birth of her daughter, Winifred, Anne returned to the workforce as an IBM Supervisor for Hussey Mfg. Co., North Berwick. Later she was employed in the business office of the Biddeford-Saco Journal.
After working in the business world, Anne went into the library field. She was a library assistant and later became Children’s Librarian at McArthur Public Library in Biddeford.
Always interested in improving children’s access to quality education, in 1975 Anne ran and won a seat on the Saco School Board. She brought leadership, determination, passion and just a bit of magic to every job she tackled. She retired from the library in 1985 after 20 years of gratifying employment.
Anne continued on her civic path by serving as President of the Altrusa Club of Biddeford-Saco, President of the Women’s Club at Most Holy Trinity Church and was an active member of the Southern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary.
Anne possessed a joyous passion for life, her family, friends, books, theater, opera and politics.
She was predeceased by her husband John A. Chisholm on May 23, 2007 and by siblings Antonio, Lucia, Vito, Frank, Joseph, Michael, James, Nicholas and Carmella.
She is survived by her daughter, Winifred A. Chisholm, her sister, Mary A. Mariello and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers of Scarborough and Hospice of Southern Maine of Scarborough for their compassion, kindness and guidance.
Donations in memory of Anne may be made to: McArthur Library, 270 Main St., Biddeford, ME 04005.
To view Anne’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
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