Louise A. MacVane 

Louise A. MacVane passed peacefully on August 24th, at the age of 90, in the loving care of the staff at Ledgewood Manor Nursing Home. Louise was born on November 24, 1935, in South Portland, Maine, to Vickery and Mable Leeman. She was one of seven children and spent her early years growing up on Anthoine Street in South Portland. The family briefly moved to Norway, Maine, before returning to South Portland following the untimely death of her father. 

Louise attended South Portland High School, where she played basketball her freshman year, participated in school clubs, and made many lifelong friendships. Among those friendships was one that would last a lifetime—that of Sylvia (Jones) Clarke, her dearest friend until Sylvia’s passing in 2023. 

Louise eventually chose to work while continuing her education and was hired by the South Portland Town Office. She graduated from South Portland High School in 1954. After graduation, she continued working for the Town of South Portland until her marriage in 1958 to Robert “Bob” MacVane, also of South Portland.

 Bob completed his graduate work at Springfield College and accepted a position in Wall Township, New Jersey, where they began their family. They eventually settled in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, where Louise and Bob raised their three sons.

Although life took them away from Maine, Louise never lost her deep connection to her home state. Her and Bob’s Maine roots and their love for their families brought them home for many summers and holidays. Maine was always a special place for Louise, and she treasured the time spent with her brothers, sisters, extended family, and friends. 

Louise was a wonderful cook and took great pleasure in caring for her family. As a mother, she was the heart of the home. She made sure her boys had everything they needed, drove them to countless sports practices, picked them up from school, listened when they needed someone to talk to, and was always ready with advice, encouragement, or simply a loving ear. Above all, she was not only their mother—she was their best friend. 

After her sons were in high school, Louise returned to the workforce as a supervisor for ADP, a computing company. She was a natural at making friends and formed many close and lasting friendships in Upper Montclair. Dinner parties, bowling leagues, trips with friends, and time spent with the people she loved brought her great happiness. 

In 1985, Louise and Bob retired and returned to Maine. They built a home and embraced the life they had always cherished—traveling, playing golf, spending time with their brothers and sisters, and eagerly looking forward to visits from their children and, later, their grandchildren. Louise especially cherished her two beloved King Charles Cavaliers, Maggie and Gracie, who brought her great joy and companionship. 

Louise’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, her loyalty, her wonderful sense of friendship, her love of family, and the countless ways she made the people around her feel cared for. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave her family will remain with them always. 

Louise was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert; her parents, Vickery and Mable Leeman; her brothers, Harold, Raymond, Henry, Ronald, Richard, and her sister, Ella. 

She is survived by her sons, Robert of Gray and his fiancé, Kathy, of South Portland; John and his wife, Sherry, of Gorham; and Richard and his wife, Erin, of Wantage, New Jersey. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jack and his wife, Stephanie, of San Diego, California; Kyle of Sabattus; Kylie and her husband, Matthew, of Wantage, New Jersey; and Kate of Wantage, New Jersey; as well as her great-grandchildren, Harrison and Callahan Louise of Wantage, New Jersey. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy, of Braintree, Massachusetts. 

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Ledgewood Manor Nursing Home for the compassion, patience, and care they provided to Louise throughout her cognitive journey. Special thanks go to Donna and Brandan for the kindness and care they showed her and our family. 

A private graveside service will be held at Highland Memorial Cemetery in South Portland on September 18th at 11:00 a.m.