Joanne Breggia Hachey

GORHAM – Joanne Breggia Hachey, 81, died on August 1, 2025, surrounded in her final days by family and friends.

Joanne was born in Portland, Maine and came into this world ready to create, mentor, and inspire. She was an accomplished artist whose work hangs in the homes of many friends, family, and clients who cherished her remarkable talent in drawing and painting.

Joanne taught art at Vernon, Conn. middle-schools for more than 30 years and co-chaired the local middle school talent show that brought students and faculty together. She never forgot her students and they never forgot her – helping kids find their way through the difficult years teaching them self-expression through art.

Her devotion as a teacher earned her numerous accolades such as Teacher of the Year, Unsung Heroes Award, and a two-time recipient of The Superintendent Award. After decades of teaching in Connecticut Public Schools, she focused on her own art and managed a local program to help adults achieve their high school diploma. In her retirement years she volunteered her artistic abilities at the Gorham library and the Portland Museum of Art.

After 50 years of living in Connecticut, she and her husband moved back to Maine to be closer to her large and loving family full of siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family has always been the most important part of Joanne’s life. Just as she inspired students, she inspired her friends and family with her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support.

While her passion was art and teaching, she would say her favorite job was being a Nonna to two loving grandchildren. They loved learning from their Nonna as they frequently crawled into her lap to read a book, sat at the kitchen table to draw with her, and worked side-by-side on creative projects. Joanne certainly passed on her love of art, her compassionate spirit, and her love of bunnies.

Joanne was a kind Nonna, wonderful mother, passionate teacher, loving wife, dedicated sister, and incredible aunt. She is survived by Joseph, her devoted husband of 57 years who always put her first. Joanne is also survived by daughters Nicole and Emmy; two grandsons; her sister Linda; and many dedicated Nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joanne’s life was a testament to love and kindness. Since grief is the price we pay for love, our sense of loss is beyond measure.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Anne’s Church, 299 Main St. Gorham. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Joanne’s online guest book.