WINDHAM – Kathleen “Kit” McNeal Johnson, 72, died peacefully at her home, watching her beloved cardinals and chickadees Monday, Dec. 10, 2007. Kit was born Oct. 14, 1935, in Fort Kent, the oldest child of Helaire and Irene (Bass) Belanger. She attended Fort Kent High School. The mother of four children, Kit worked outside her home for most of her adult life. She worked for “Ma Bell” for a number of years in the Blue Hill – Surry area. She later moved to Portland and worked as a certified nurses’ aide until her retirement. Kit’s greatest enjoyment in life was her family and friends. She was an excellent cook, known for her breads and pies. In addition to watching her American songbirds, Kit loved to play cards and visit with all who dropped by for a good chat. Kit is survived by her husband, John; her brother, Raymond Belanger and his wife, Nancy, of New Sharon; her sister, Brenda Belanger of South Portland; sister, Lou Sturgeon and her husband, Don, of Portland; sister, Jackie Durant and her husband, Jim, of Windham; her son Gregory McNeal and his wife, Stephanie, of Fairfield; son, Timothy and his wife, Deeanne, of Ellsworth; daughter, Carol DeSalle and her husband, Anthony, of Windham; daughter-in-law, EllenAnn of Livermore Falls; and her “second daughter,” Debra Plummer and her husband, Robert; and son, Andrew of Buxton. Kit will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Wendy McNeal and Amy McNeal, both of Ellsworth, Monica and Timothy McNeal, both of Livermore Falls, Joshua DeSalle of Bremerton, Wash., Megan DeSalle of Windham, and Tyrell and Robert Brown, both of Windham. She is survived by her aunt, Theresa Belanger; and uncle, Alex Belanger, both of Ellsworth, whom she held dear in her heart. Kit is also survived by two great-grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews and special children, with whom she was very close. Kit leaves behind her close friends, Ruth Croxford and Jeanne Rogers; and her caregivers, Judy Murphy and Donna Kelley, whose friendship and support she especially appreciated. Kit was predeceased by her first husband, Charles McNeal; and her son, Michael. The family also wishes to express their appreciation for Hospice of Maine for their care and support in Kit’s last days. Mass will be said in her memory 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 919 Roosevelt Trail, Route 302, Windham, with a gathering of friends and family after the service at the home of Carol and Tony DeSalle in Windham.
KATHLEEN (BELANGER) MCNEAL JOHNSON
