Marie Angela (Cardamone) Ahern

SCARBOROUGH – Marie Angela (Cardamone) Ahern, of Scarborough, passed away on August 17, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Her husband, Timothy “Tim” and daughter, Elizabeth “Biz”, were at her side when she passed away.

Marie was born on May 26, 1962, in Portland, the youngest of five children of Michael Archangelo Cardamone and Marie Anna Cardamone.

Marie grew up on Mallison Street in Windham, next door to her lifelong friend, Jill Simonson, who she more commonly referred to as her sister-from-another-mother. After graduating from Windham High School, Marie went to Pierre’s School of Cosmetology in Portland, where she was trained as a hairdresser. She worked at several local hair salons until she was hired by Cathy Bobier at J.C. Bushwackers in Scarborough. She worked with Cathy, at J.C. Bushwackers, for over 32 years.

While Marie took pride in her trade, and many other things in her life, Marie would say her greatest accomplishment was raising her daughter, Biz. Biz was even the first J.C. Bushwackers baby! Biz went on to become a strong-willed and independent woman, like Marie raised her to be.

Marie had a lot of friends, as she made friends wherever she went, and spending time with them was one Marie’s favorite things to do. One of Marie’s fondest friendship memories was the many Friday night dinners that she, Tim, and Biz would have with friends Cliff, Sue, and Matt Biardi over their many years of their friendship.

Marie was an avid animal lover. She was home to many pets throughout her life. Marie and Biz even volunteered at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland when Biz was younger. Marie fostered a love for animals and that love for animals was passed on to Biz.

After Marie’s parents passed away, Marie decided that she wanted to work with the elderly. While Marie continued to work for Cathy at J.C. Bushwackers, doing hair, she also took up working as an activity assistant for local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Marie was passionate about enhancing the lives of the elderly – Marie treasured her time with them.

Marie was an active person, always on the go. She enjoyed taking regular long walks on Pine Point Beach. Marie also enjoyed spending time hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. She loved the outdoors! When Marie needed a break from the outdoors, you could catch her partaking in some quality retail therapy. You could also find Marie attending movies, concerts, and theater productions regularly, she appreciated the arts.

Marie was a kind and strong individual with a big heart and great sense of humor, committed to doing everything possible to be happy and healthy, both for herself and others. Marie loved many and many loved Marie.

Marie was predeceased by her parents’ and brothers, Peter Cardamone and Michael Cardamone. She is survived by her husband, Timothy “Tim” Ahern; her daughter, Elizabeth “Biz” Nealey and son-in-law, James “Jimmy” Nealey; her sister, Louise Haddock and brother-in-law Brian Haddock; her brother, Frank Cardamone and sister-in-law Susan Cardamone, and three former sisters-in-law, Cherie McPhee, Connie Cardamone, and Pam Cardamone; her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends. Marie is also survived by her cat, Stella, and her many fur grandbabies.

Marie was appreciative of the support that she received during her cancer journey from the Dempsey Center Support Group.

Marie received excellent medical care at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass. A statement of gratitude goes to her doctors and their team of healthcare professionals; Julie J. Miller, Gavin P. Dunn, and Bob S. Carter, a team that supported her over the past few years. In her final days, Marie was blessed with compassionate care at Maine Medical Center in Portland and Gosnell House in Scarborough for her hospice care.

Funeral services will be private for close friends and family. A public visitation/reception will be held to celebrate Marie’s life on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Hobbs Funeral Home, located at 671 U.S. Route 1 in Scarborough, Maine 04074, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Dempsey Center

778 Maine Street

South Portland, ME 04106

or to:

Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

279 River Road

Windham, ME 04062