CAPE ELIZABETH – Effie Janet Staples Hannigan, 95, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on May 22, 2023.

Born in Bath, Janet was the youngest of seven children of the late Eldora and William Staples, and sister of the late Rinda Elwell, Margaret Ciesielski, Richard, Warren and John Staples.

She leaves behind her brother, Robert Staples of Florida and a brother-in-law, Earle Hannigan of East Holden, and predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Robert Hannigan, as well as daughter-in-law, Cathy.

Janet was a woman of strong faith and was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Cape Elizabeth. She was an active member of the Tuesday morning ladies’ group where she enjoyed weekly luncheons, excursions and their camaraderie.

Her hobbies were trips to the beach, sunbathing, and sitting on her deck watching the hundreds of birds that were visiting her feeder and birdbath. She baked cookies for the family into her nineties. She was a gifted knitter, making beautiful items and also a talented seamstress. Most of all she adored Sunday Donut gatherings with family.

She and Bob were actively involved with the Cape Elizabeth Lions Club for over 50 years. They met lifelong friends and, with the club, traveled to many International conventions.

Bob and Janet were married April 30, 1949 and purchased their four-room house on Spurwink Avenue. Over the years, the home expanded as they raised their 10 children.

Janet was a stay at home mom until her youngest child went to school. Janet went to work at the Pond Cove Elementary School kitchen. She ended her career there as supervisor, after many years. She served on the Cape Elizabeth School Board and was a member of the Cheverus High School Mother’s Club. Janet’s last position was one of her favorites, as the greeter of the Spurwink Historical Church. She directed all weddings, christenings, funerals, and celebrations.

She was a person who spoke her mind. You always knew how she felt about life’s issues. She’ll be remembered by her children as a strong advocate of “Maine fresh air and good food” is all you need to stay healthy.

Janet is survived by her three daughters, Kathy ODonnell and husband Mark of South Portland, Julia Hannigan-Trefethen and husband Keith of Wells, Susan Thurston and husband Fuzzy of Fryeburg, seven sons, Michael and wife Betty of Abington, Mass., Frank and wife Theresa of Cape Elizabeth, Stephen of Standish, Daniel of Cape Elizabeth, Robert Jr. and wife Karen of South Portland, Peter of Portland, Patrick of Cape Cod, Mass; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday May 31, at 10 a.m., at St. Bartholomew Parish, 8 Two Lights Rd. Cape Elizabeth. Private family graveside burial.

Arrangements entrusted to Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in her name

can be made to:

Gosnell Memorial

Hospice House

11 Hunnewell Rd.

Scarborough, ME 04074; or

Cape Elizabeth Fire Department

Scholarship Fund

2 Jordan Way

Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

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