Katherine E. Ahlquist

Katherine E. "Kay" Ahlquist, age 86, peacefully passed away at home after a long illness on February 6, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Kay was born in Portland on November 28, 1939 to Walter and Shirley (Stanley) Dahms. She grew up in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School.

Kay married the love of her life Robert Ahlquist on August 30th, 1958.

When her children were young, she stayed home to take care of them and her home. After that, she worked for Shaw's Supermarkets for over 30 years. Her grandkids have fond memories of visiting her in the produce department in Scarborough. No matter how busy she was, there was always time for a hug.

Kay was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Portland for many years. She taught Sunday school, served refreshments, and participated in their annual Christmas fair. She enjoyed making crafts and baking, especially around the holidays.

She loved traveling to warm places in the winter and enjoyed a week at "camp" with family on Sebago Lake in the summer. She was an avid gardener who could often be found tending to the flower beds surrounding her home.

Most of all, she loved spending time with family. She hosted many holiday meals and celebrations at her house and believed the more the merrier.

Kay was predeceased by her mother and father, son Craig A. Ahlquist, brothers Robert "Bud" Dahms, and Walter "Peter" Dahms III.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Robert C. Ahlquist Sr.; her sisters Marjorie Weeks and husband Donald, and Virginia Burrows and husband James; sister-in-laws Linda (Grimmer) Dahms and Linda (Clark) Dahms; son Robert Ahlquist Jr and wife Linda; daughters Cynthia Ahlquist, and Kathy Hawkes and husband Harold; grandchildren Ronald Lowell and wife Cindy, John Gaudet and wife Myra, Andrea Taylor and husband Travis, Jamie Marquis and husband Nathaniel, Jayson Riley, Courtney Hawkes, and Nicholas Hawkes and wife Kaitlin; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Haley, Emma, Kellen, Audrey, Landon, Ethan, and Sophie.

Visiting hours will be at Hobbs Funeral Home 671 U.S. Rt. 1 Scarborough on February 27, 2026 from 4-7 PM.

Funeral services will be at First Lutheran Church 132 Auburn St. Portland on February 28, 2026 at 11 AM.

The family would like to thank the loyal and dedicated staff who cared for Kay from Hospice of Southern Maine.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:

Hospice of Southern Maine 390 U.S. Rt. 1 Scarborough, ME 04074 or to First Lutheran Church 132 Auburn St Portland, ME