Annette Marie Cox Kneeland

GORHAM – Annette Marie Cox Kneeland, 81, of Gorham, went peacefully to the Lord on Nov. 11, 2021. She was born Dec. 16, 1939, the youngest daughter of Robert and Annette (Rioux) Cox.

Annette grew up in Gorham and graduated in 1959. She met her long-time love, Ron Kneeland, and they married in February 1960, celebrating their 60th anniversary last year. In 1968, they purchased the home that Annette grew up in and raised their four children, building years of happy memories.

For many years Annette was a stay-at-home mom, taking a job working in the music room and later in the library at Gorham High School in 1973. Annette was always kind to the students, who fondly referred to her as “Mrs. K”.

Annette had many talents and was always working on multiple projects such as knitting, quilting and crocheting, creating many special and cherished gifts. Annette’s gardens were filled with color all summer long, a testament to the many hours spent perfecting them. Annette and Ron loved to travel throughout New England and to Pennsylvania. After Annette’s retirement, they took a three-month cross-country trip. Hotel reservations were never made as they believed a self-paced trip resulted in seeing more of our beautiful country.

Annette was a thoughtful and caring wife, mother, and grandmother who was loved by all. Annette suffered from dementia and in 2017 the family made the difficult decision of placing her in a nursing home, for her safety. Annette always loved babies and dogs. Even as Annette became sicker, either of these things would still catch her attention and bring a smile to her face. It was that sweet smile that family and friends looked for when they visited. Fortunately, her loving and gentle nature and sweet smile were still there and seen during most visits.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Millay unit at Sedgewood Commons for caring for her over the last 4-plus years as well as Compassus for their wonderful care over the last year. The love she was shown by the staff provided comfort to her family.

Annette adored her grandchildren and could always be found at their events, supporting them and cheering them on.

Annette is predeceased by her parents; and siblings. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; children and spouses Ronald Jr. and Kathy, Robert and Margaret, Michele and Tim Rowe, Sue and Grant Maines; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; Dick and Joan Kneeland, Jean and Ralph Weeks.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dolby, Blais and Segee Funeral Home, 434 River Rd., Windham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 268 Brown St., Westbrook with a burial to follow at White Rock Cemetery in Gorham.

To express condolences or to participate in Annette’s online tribute, please visit http://www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Annette’s memory can be made to the

Alzheimer’s Association,

383 US Route 1 #2C,

Scarborough, ME 04074.