PORTLAND — Philomena Cecelia “Mae” Carlista, 95, a lifetime resident of Portland, passed away on Nov. 24, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Manor after a short period of declining health.

Philomena was born on Jan. 19, 1915, the daughter of Loreto and Beatrice Piacitelli. After graduating from Portland High School, Class of 1934, she went on to pursue a career in nursing at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary and was a registered practical nurse at Portland City Hospital for 15 years.

She was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, where she attended church daily for many years. Every summer, she enjoyed the time she spent on Little Sebago Lake with her family, and especially enjoyed family gatherings.

Philomena was a foster grandmother at Jack Jr. High School. She was a lifetime member of the Italian Heritage Center and Sacred Heart Sodality.

Mae’s love and generosity to family and friends was admirable. Well into her late 80s she insisted on cooking for her family. She especially enjoyed the traditional Christmas Eve Italian meal of seven fishes with family members. Mae’s life will continue to inspire her family, though her absence will be deeply felt by all that knew her.

Philomena was a true matriarch of her family and was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She was lovingly known as Mae, Gram and Nana. Mae will be deeply missed by her family.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Samuel; and her son, Martin.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Carlista of Naples; three sisters, Roxie Piacitelli and Mary Young Grimaldi, both of South Portland, and Yolanda Hunter of East Millinocket; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery.