May Ranco Obituary (1935 - 2024)

Dedham - May Theresa Lucas Ranco, 89, passed away peacefully Friday, July 19, 2024, at home with her family in Dedham, Maine. She was born May 1, 1935, in Orono, Maine, the daughter of Walter L. and Mary Elizabeth (Martin) Lucas of Orono, Maine. May is survived by her four children, Nelson "Cappy" Ranco and his wife, Ellen, of Royersford, PA, James "Chip" Ranco of East Hanover, NJ, Robert Ranco and his wife Tonia of Round Rock, TX, and Darren Ranco and his wife Stephanie of Dedham; 11 grandchildren, Ezra Ranco, Rafiq Walker, Jessie "Boo-Boo" Ranco, Nicholaus Ranco, Morgan Ranco, Eric Ranco, Tori May Ranco, Kasey Ranco, Holden Strong, Sadie Strong, and Judy "Mouth" Strong; and two great-grandchildren, EJ and Maverick. May grew up in Orono, part of a large family. She was predeceased not only by her parents, Mary Elizabeth and Walter, but also by her 14 siblings, George, Wilbur, Walter, Verna, Charles, Bernice, Thelma, Clarence, Bernard, Gertrude, Frank, Phyllis, Virginia, and Kenneth. Over the years, she formed strong and loving bonds with many of her nieces and nephews, and in her later years, she had special bonds with her niece, Jackie; her nephew, David and his wife, Rhonda; and her nephew, Jeff and his wife, Lynn. In the last year of her life, her granddaughters, Jessie and Judy, took excellent care of her and brought joy to her days, loving and laughing together, even when times were difficult. May was beloved by many and was known for her great sense of humor and love of people. She was a kind, loving, and passionate woman. Her husband Nelson was the joy of her life and her children made her glow with pride. Smiling and laughing were common in May's presence, as she would share stories, a game of cribbage, and a glass of rum and Diet Coke with her friends and family. From humble beginnings in a large family, she was an incredibly hard worker, working full time until the age of 76, in various jobs in Maine and (in her 60s and 70s) Florida. Her work life is best known locally as the owner and operator of a hair salon on Middle Street in Orono, in the 1960s, and she continued to work as a part-time in-home beautician from her home in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as a line worker at the Sylvania plant in Bangor, and cashier at LaVerdiere's pharmacy in Orono, and at other pharmacies until her retirement at the age of 76. In each work and life situation, she brought humor, love, joy, and passion, and often formed deep loving bonds with those around her. She leaves a big hole in our hearts and will be sorely missed. A graveside service will be held on October 12 at 1 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Orono. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society online or by calling 1-800-227-2345.