Ann G. Kezal

NORWAY – Ann Geneva (Richards) Kezal, 83, of Rumford, Maine died peacefully with family by her side on Friday Oct. 19, 2018 at Stephens Memorial Hospital, Norway, ME.

Ann was born in Rumford on June 9 1935 to William B. Richards and Mary (Legere) Richards.

Ann attended grade schools in Rumford and graduated in 1954 from Stephens High School. It is noted in Ann’s yearbook that she was “small in stature, but mighty in spirit”.

Ann was employed in various department stores in the Rumford area.  In 1955 at Winter Carnival while employed by Grants, Ann was crowned Queen at the Snow Queen Ball by William Chisholm, VP of the Oxford Paper Company. Rumor has it that this was also the magical evening that John Kezal proposed to Ann.  She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary- Unit 24, Chairman of several Red Cross Blood Drives also with Unit 24. She was a member of The Bomberettes Ladies Candlepin Bowlers for more than 3 decades and along with her husband John, volunteered many hours sharing time, and moments of joy with residents and staff of the South Paris Veteran’s Home.

Ann was a terrific cook, gardener, rescuer of felines and according to her children, a quintessential 1960’s/70’s doting mother. Ann had fond childhood memories of Roxbury Pond and later, summers spent with her young family at Littlefield Beach. After retiring Ann and John traveled to the west coast several times to visit family and friends.  Some of her favorite travel spots included Prince Edward Island, Lake St. George and Oxford Casino.The New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox have surely lost a devoted fan and family agrees that Ann deserves her own induction into the baseball hall of fame for miles logged and meals prepared during John and Steve’s baseball days.
Pre- deceasing Ann were her brothers Harvey and Armand Richards and sisters Lorena Crosby and Anita Chiasson
Ann is survived by her loving husband of 63 years John Kezal of Rumford, Maine; son Steven Kezal and wife Susan of Portland, Maine and daughter Pamela Kezal of Astoria, NY; sister-in-law Margaret Brown of Auburn, Maine, sister-in-law Theresa Allen and her husband Larry of Westbrook and brother-in-law Mike Kezal and wife Anne of Turner;
Ann is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, cousins along with her very special childhood friend Gabrielle Moore and Ann’s close companion Princess, the white-haired cat.
Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories online at www.meaderandson.com
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 Noon Monday, October 29, 2018 at Parish of the Holy Savior, St. Athanasius – St John Church, 126 Maine Avenue, Rumford. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery, Rumford. If desired in lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Activity Department at the Maine Veteran’s Home, 477 High Street, So. Paris, Maine 04281 in her memory. Arrangements are under the care of the MEADER  &  SON  FUNERAL  HOME, CREMATION AND MONUMENT SERVICES, 3 Franklin Street, P. O. Box 537, Rumford, ME 04276.