Obituary of Selma Kennard

Selma Kennard, 88, of Westbrook, passed on Feb. 27, 2013, from natural causes. She was born in Woburn, Mass., on Oct. 28, 1924, to Charles Joseph Doherty and Olga Matilta Ericson. She moved to Maine at a young age and attended schools in Bath, Gorham and Portland. It was here that she met her husband, Clifford L. Kennard Sr. and lived most of her life in South Portland raising her family. She was an avid reader, graduated from Metaphysical studies and was an excellent artist. She worked at Fairchild Semi-Conductor for 25 years, while raising her family. She loved the ocean, the sun, and being outdoors. She loved to walk and did her entire life. She was a very spiritual woman who many turned to for a kind ear and advice. She had a great sense of humor and was known to find the humor in life, in spite of experiencing many difficulties in her own. She was known for always have an open door policy and being non-judgmental. She was a very giving woman and would give you the last 10 dollars in her purse and wouldn’t think twice about it. Many would comment on her strikingly blue eyes that could look straight through you. She was a lovely, brave woman who will always be lovingly remembered by her family and friends for her quiet grace and wisdom. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford L. Kennard Sr.; daughter Dianne L. Kennard McPhail, sons, Eric L. Kennard, Bruce L. Kennard; and granddaughter Kristina L. McPhail. She is survived by her daughters, Dorothy L. Kennard and Olga L. Kennard Yattaw and family; son-in-law Mark Yattaw; granddaughters, Ammie, Mindy and Dianne Yattaw; son Clifford L. Kennard Jr. and family; sister-in-law Tricia Targett; grandsons, Beau and Chase, granddaughters, Kiesha and Carrie Kennard; great-grandsons, Antonio and Virgil; son Melvin L. Kennard; grandson Lucas Kennard, grandson Edward McPhail and family; and the many friends who knew her throughout her life. A celebration of her life will be held at the People’s United Methodist Church of South Portland, 310 Broadway, South Portland, on April 5, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the People’s United Methodist Church of South Portland are greatly appreciated.