PORTLAND — With deep and abiding sadness, the family and many friends of Ann Hardy Hall mourn her passing on Nov. 4, 2014, at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough.

Mom, Ann, Annie graced the world with abundant love, a radiant smile, an infectious sense of humor, and a playfulness and youthfulness that defied her 83 years. Her magical, positive and loving spirit was extended to everyone she met. No matter what she was facing, she was always ready to have fun. Although she is gone, she is at peace and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

On Oct. 22, 1949, Ann married her high school sweetheart, Richard W. Hall. Their marriage lasted more than 60 years, and there wasn't anything they couldn't accomplish. With remarkable energy, while raising four active children, Ann attended cosmetology school. She worked for years as a beautician in the shop Dick built for her in their home. She is remembered by many in the Thomaston area as a skilled beautician. Ann was also a talented artist and knitter. Dick and Ann participated in an annual craft fair, creating stunning folk art, painted furniture and other gorgeous pieces that brought people back year after year. Everything Ann did was a work of art, and more than anything, she enjoyed giving her most beautiful creations to her family and friends. Every holiday was an occasion to decorate. The family home was the center of activities, as decorations, wonderful smells and celebration filled the air - especially at Christmas, when family and friends fondly called Ann and Dick "Mr. and Mrs. Claus."

Since Dick's death in 2010, Annie resided at Seventy-Five State Street in Portland, where she received loving and exquisite personal care. The family wishes to thank each of the staff for treating Mom with such respect and dignity. She received the same standard of care from VNA Hospice Care and The Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, during the last weeks of her life. We are blessed in our community to have such dedicated professionals.

Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband; her parents, Francis and Doris Hardy; and her brother, David Hardy. She is survived by her adoring children, Deborah Hall and her husband, Clay Graybeal, of Arundel, Scott Hall and his wife, Jolly, of Thomaston, Pat Benner and her partner, Bob Lowberg, of Warren, and Tess Hall and her husband, Paul Panish, of Barrington, N.H,; her grandchildren, Erik Hall and his wife, Erin, and their son, Reid, Jake Hall and his fiance, Ashley Griffin, and Hilarie Benner and her partner, Eric Munroe, and their daughter, Chelsea; her brothers, Frank "Bub" Hardy and his wife, Jani, and Paul Hardy and his wife, Rosanne; as well as many nieces and nephews that she loved and cherished.

A celebration of Ann's life will be held Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to Seventy-Five State Street, 75 State St., Portland, ME 04101; Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074; or The Gosnell Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.