Joan “Paolino” McFarland

PORTLAND – Joan (Paolino) McFarland, 85, surrounded by her family entered The Lord’s arms on Nov. 15, 2023, at her home in Portland.

Joan, aka “Joann”, was born on March 6, 1938, in Portland, to Mary Anna Rega Paolino and Thomas Michael Paolino. She graduated from Portland High School in 1957 and had a successful career as a sales associate at Federal Market, Martins Grocery, Shop-n-Save, Quattucci’s Hilltop, Portland Press Herald, Hannaford and Publix in Florida. Upon retiring she worked part-time at Upscale Consignment and Falmouth Public Schools.

Joann met her husband of 58 years, Richard L. McFarland at Federal Market then again at Scarborough Downs race track where he asked her out on a date and the rest is history. They married on Aug. 5, 1965, and moved to Waterville, where they had two beautiful girls, Maria and Denise then settled in Falmouth where they raised their family of four.

A beloved wife, sister, mother, nana, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend, she held you all deeply in her heart and soul. It wasn’t possible for Joann to travel near or far and not bump into someone she knew. Friends would see her and they’d “chat it up” until her family would finally coax her away.

Joann was always up for an adventure. She loved to take rides in the car, especially to Long Island, N.Y. to see her brother and his family, she loved to garden, knit, shop and always available to help others. Joann was a huge Maine Mariner/Portland Pirates fan, attending weekly games beginning in 1977, but her greatest joy was attending her grandchildren’s sports events. She was often the loudest voice in the stands, cheering them on! She was known as “Nana” too many of her grandchildren’s friends, her caregivers, and their families.

Joann was predeceased by her mother and father, Mary Rega and Thomas Paolino; brother, Michael Paolino, his wife Evelyn Paolino; and mother-in-law, Phyllis Raplee.

Joann is survived by her loving husband, Richard “Dick” McFarland; sister, Grace Paolino; daughters Maria Locke, husband John and Denise Kaserman, husband Kevin; grandchildren Chelsea, Jon, Anna Decker, husband Chad, Julia, Kyle and JoJo; great-grandchildren Lola and Darby; along with several nieces, nephews; and many friends.

With great gratitude we want to extend our heartfelt thanks and praise to all the love and care “Nana” received from her caregivers and their families.

Children brought Joann so much joy and Christmas was by far her favorite holiday.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday Dec. 15, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave. in Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Saturday Dec. 16 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 72 Federal St. Portland, ME 04101.

To share memories of Joann or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.athutchins.com.

In lieu of flowers, please bring or have delivered an unwrapped toy/gift for

ages 1 day to 17 years old

to put under the

Christmas Tree at

A.T. Hutchins

Funeral Home,

60 Brighton Ave.

Portland, ME 04102.

Donations will be delivered to local charity to brighten

a child’s Christmas