BIDDEFORD — Joanne Macenas Alaimo, 75, passed away after an incredibly difficult 18-month journey with Multiple Myeloma, which she fought courageously.
Joanne was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on October 19, 1947, to her loving parents, Anthony Macenas and Irene Labanaris Macenas. She graduated from Manchester High School, class of 1965, voted most talkative.
Joanne met her husband, Anthony J. Alaimo Jr., and they married on June 10, 1973. Tony passed away on September 18, 2002, and Joanne would always talk about him as the love of her life.
Joanne owned her own cleaning business for many years before becoming a housekeeper at UNE, where she celebrated 20 years of employment. She loved working at UNE because of her friends, coworkers, and all the students she crossed paths with over the years. She woke up every day and looked forward to going to work.
Joanne was a long-time member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. In her last several years, she worshiped at home and still held deeply to her faith.
Joanne leaves her son, Anthony J. Alaimo III, his wife, Nicole, and her daughter, Allison. She also leaves the two people who have made her smile and laugh the most in these recent years, her grandchildren, Sophie and Jack. They brought more happiness, fun, and hugs than she ever could have imagined. In addition to immediate family, she leaves behind so many other close family members, friends, neighbors, and her community.
Joanne was the funniest, most vibrant person in any room. Whenever she walked in the door, you knew you were going to have a night full of laughs. Whether sitting down to play scrabble, drinking a beer at a brewery, or swimming at the beach, she was always ready to make the experience fun. She loved her dog Teddy, who recently died, and in her last days she expressed excitement over him being able to run up to her and greet her soon.
We would like to thank everyone, both personally and professionally, who helped us lovingly care for her over these last 18 months. Thank you to everyone at New England Cancer Specialists, Maine Medical Center, and St. Andre Health Care. They made her feel heard, seen, and supported, and they brought her back to us more than once.
We will honor Joanne, the forever life of the party, at a celebration of life that will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or please consider finding a local blood drive and donating blood.
To view Joanne’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
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