PORTLAND — Ann Solesky, 53, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2014 from diabetic complications.

Annie resided at 13 Forest Park in Portland, and although she had not lived there long, she found it to be wonderful and considered it her home. She was born Nov. 7, 1961 in Portland, a daughter of Douglas E. Sr. and Jane (True) Heal, She was the youngest of seven children and one of five girls. She attended local schools, and enjoyed some traveling, but Portland was always her favorite city and the presence of her family there meant that she would return to live out her life in her hometown.

Annie inherited a great work ethic from her parents and grandparents. Having witnessed great compassion in her home life, she accepted a job as a general aide at an adult residential group home. She worked tirelessly and gained the trust and respect of clients and staff. They loved and relied on her, and within a short period of time she managed the facility. Annie worked hardest at and found most fulfilling managing, buying and selling for D.M.R. Properties. She covered Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Biddeford and Sanford. She was very competent but most important to her were the people that she came in contact with. D.M.R. Properties received a Certificate of Appreciation for Shelter + Care & BRAP Housing in 1997 from Shalom House, Inc. Such award was the result of Annie’s dedication in helping people in need, especially those facing homelessness. She also had a unique opportunity to work with sisters Diane and Ellen at Print Mail of Maine, which she considered fun and most memorable .

She eagerly anticipated family vacations at Big Sebago, Little Sebago, Sabbathday and Moosehead lakes, where boating could be done for leisure but for the Heal family it meant fishing. She also loved day trips to Sebago Lake State Park where picnics came with her mother’s delicious potato salad.

Annie was driven to learn. She was an avid reader of biographies and other nonfiction. Recently, she had a special book of poetry about daughters that she read aloud to Tonya. She welcomed any opportunity to visit museums and historical sites, especially those in Maine. She eagerly waited for her magazines to arrive, always looking forward to trying a new idea or recipe.

Annie was fascinated with cars, trucks and motorcycles. Annie was as avid fan of NASCAR, and she attended races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. She attended Bike Week in Laconia, N.H. and Myrtle Beach. S.C., and also rode her own motocross bike. Her favorite ride was though a 1971 black Corvette that she purchased.

At Christmas in 2009, Annie wore a complete elf outfit that she made by hand, borrowed a little red wagon, and with the help of family and friends filled it with puzzles, story, picture, and her favorite, Search and Find books. She then went to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital where she handed out the presents to the children. Annie was well received, but it was she who felt so blessed. Annie volunteered at Preble Street and other soup kitchens.

Annie was predeceased by her brother, Roland Heal; her father, Douglas E. Heal Sr.; her sister, Debora (Heal) Gilmore; her brother, Douglas E. Heal Jr.; and her mother, Jane (True) Heal.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Tonya L. Nevers of Portland; sisters Susan Heal of Exeter, N.H., Diane Heal of Portland and Ellen Heal of South Portland; two nieces and cousins; and three aunts including Sandra True of Fryeburg.

Services will be held May 15, 2014 at Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel, Gorham. Burial to follow at Brooklawn Cemetery, South Portland.