Glennis Deakin

GRAY — Glennis M. (Irish) Deakin, 84, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 at her log cabin home on Little Sebago Lake in Gray, with her husband, of 64 years, Arthur by her side.

Glennis was born in Portland on Oct. 5, 1930 to Ormond W. Irish and Marian A. (Davis) Irish. Her grandparents, Oscar and Gertrude Irish, were instrumental in her upbringing. She graduated from Greely High School in Cumberland and was head majorette in the marching band.

In 1950, she married Arthur Deakin and so began the greatest of love stories that set an amazing example of caring and devotion to which our family admired and aspired to.

Glennis worked at Healthtex, a children’s clothing manufacturer, for many years, then went to work for Pratt Abbott Dry Cleaners, from where she retired.

Family was first and foremost to Glennis. She made sure she was kept up to date on how everyone was doing. She was a loyal supporter of her daughter and her family and proudly attended all events they were involved in. She was never happier than when she was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing down on the lake. She was everyone’s Nana, welcoming all who came to visit with warmth and kindness and making sure the little ones always left with a sweet treat.

Glennis was well known for her potato salad and it was requested at all get-togethers. She lived her life much like the way she created her salad. She carefully selected just the right potatoes, the same way she chose the company she would keep — being sure to have positive and meaningful relationships. Patience was her best virtue and the key ingredient in boiling the potatoes and eggs, not hurrying the process and letting them sit a proper amount of time to be easier to peel. In life, she took the time to really listen to people and to put them at ease. Sometimes, she gave advice or scolded in a gentle way, like the subtle flavor of grated onion. Just enough to enhance, not overpower. She chose and was content with a simple way of life, like using Miracle Whip instead of the rich pretentiousness of mayonnaise. She had a great sense of humor and her zest for life was like the mustard in her salad. Just the right amounts of each ingredient blended to make for a satisfying and fulfilling life for her and everyone she touched.

Glennis, like her infamous potato salad, will be forever remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Glennis was predeceased by three brothers, Vincent Irish, Richard Irish and Donald Irish.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Arthur Deakin of Gray; a daughter, Kimberly Darling of Yarmouth; a grandson, Christopher Darling of Lovell; a granddaughter; five great-grandchildren including Benjamin, Samuel and Madeline Darling of Lovell; two brothers, Ormond Irish of West Gardiner and Woodrow Irish of South Paris; a sister, Beverly O’Gara of Westbrook; several nieces and nephews.

At the family’s request, all services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com