Marian Janet Rich

Marian Janet (Kennedy) Rich, 89, passed away peacefully at The Heron House on April 10, 2024, spending her last days with her beloved family at her side. Marian was born in Portland to James and Janet Kennedy, where her family values, incredible work ethic, and gratitude for even the simplest pleasures in life, were instilled in her. After graduating from Portland High School, she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Rich, in 1955, beginning their beautiful journey together. After living in Windham and Portland, Marian and Ken settled in the Prides Corner community of Westbrook and raised their three children together. They were active members of Prides Corner and Westbrook Warren Congregational churches, donating their time at bean suppers, fairs, and other activities. Marian spent time as organist and choir director at both churches. Her love of music was lifelong, even playing piano for residents in her last few months at The Heron House. During her lifetime, Marian was piano accompanist for the Boys Singers of Maine, which included a performance at the White House. She was also the accompanist for: Southern Maine Boys and Girls Chorale, Westbrook Schools, Gorham Community Chorus, the Chopin Club, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Marian especially enjoyed teaching all seven grandchildren to play the piano. Marian, along with her husband, owned and operated Rich Insulation Manufacturing Company for many years, along with pursuing many real estate endeavors. She had a love of animals, owning two horses and many family pets, including raising & training a dog for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She was thrilled to receive Finian back, when he was retired from service. Many lasting memories were made at their summer camps on Parker Pond and Long Lake, where you would often see Marian driving the boat for water skiing and tubing, many times trying to toss the grandkids off the tube. She loved hosting large gatherings, especially during the holidays, and could cook and bake anything. Her apple crisp and chocolate chip cookies are the world’s greatest! You would always leave her home with food, a hug, and an “I Love You!” Her favorite role was being “Nana”, never missing an opportunity to watch the many sporting, music, and horse events. She loved going on adventures with her grandchildren, which often involved stopping for an ice cream, or two! She made quilts, mittens, sweaters, and birthday cakes for all of them. She and Ken even made dollhouses and a horse barn for their granddaughters. Marian and Ken celebrated 65 years of marriage until Ken’s passing in 2020. They were an example to all with their love, respect, and admiration for one another. Her countless photos captured their love of family and friends, which we will all treasure forever. We’re all lucky to have been part of their journey! Marian was predeceased by her husband, parents, brothers James, John, and William, sister Ellen, nephew Darrell, and grandson Christopher. She will be greatly missed by her children: Philip and his companion Becky Warner, Lynda Walsh and her husband Dan, and Stephen and his wife Kelly; grandchildren Jordan and his wife Meagan, Zach and his wife Janessa, Meghan Paino and her husband Andrew, Emily, Kayla Walsh-Greenleaf and her husband Alex, and Sean Walsh; great-grandchildren Cameron, Natalie, and Emma; many loving relatives and friends, including a close lifelong friend since kindergarten, Charlotte Caron. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Heron House and Affinity Care of Maine for their kindness, compassion, and level of care shared with Marian and her family. In keeping with Marian’s and Ken’s wishes, the family will hold a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a charity to help others.

Marian Janet Rich

September 30, 1934 - April 10, 2024

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