Obituary: Ann Marie (Hollywood) McDonough
Portland Woman Honored for Nursing Career, Marathon Triumph, and Community Service Dies at 88
Portland, Maine – Ann Marie (Hollywood) McDonough, a beloved Portland nurse, athlete, and community leader, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the age of 88. She had lived a life that blended dedicated service to patients, a remarkable athletic journey, and a deep commitment to her family and the neighborhoods she called home.
Early Life and Family Roots
Born in Portland on April 23, 1938, Ann was the daughter of Peter “Jimmy” and Sarah “Sally” Hollywood. She grew up in the city’s schools before earning her diploma from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1956. It was during her time at the academy that she first spotted the man who would become her husband. At a school gathering she asked him to dance; his reply was a simple, “He said no.” The two married on August 9, 1958, and built a partnership that endured for 62 years until her husband, Chief Joseph E. McDonough, died in 2018. The couple was also predeceased by their daughter, Monica Ann McDonough.
Nursing Career
After raising her first two children, Ann pursued her long‑standing dream of becoming a nurse, balancing training with motherhood. She began her career at Maine Medical Center, where she rose to become head nurse of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Later, she assumed leadership of the Family Practice Center on India Street, earning praise from colleagues for the compassion she extended to both staff and patients. Ann’s vision extended beyond bedside care; she was instrumental in launching the innovative Family Medicine Residency Program. This initiative taught young physicians to treat entire families, resulting in improved health outcomes and greater accessibility for patients who might otherwise have to travel to larger hospitals. Her work was especially focused on the Munjoy Hill community, where she fought to remove barriers to care and ensure families could receive treatment close to home.
Athletic Adventures
Retirement did not mean slowing down for Ann. In her late thirties she discovered Bonnie Pruden exercise videos on television, which sparked a lifelong passion for fitness. She went on to become a serious racquetball player and a medal‑winning runner. At age 60 she completed the Bermuda Marathon, taking first place in her age group and hearing her name announced as “Ann McDonough from the United States of America!” Well into her seventies, she continued to compete in several “Tri for a Cure” triathlons, raising funds for cancer research.
Grandmother, Storyteller, and Nature Lover
Ann’s gifts extended to the youngest members of her family. Her children and grandchildren recall her natural ability to soothe even the most grumpy toddlers through storytelling and song. She led the kids on walks through the woods and along the beaches she loved, and her 14 grandchildren now consider sea‑glass collecting a family tradition. A favorite pastime was a boat ride on Casco Bay or Sebago Lake, where she would pause each day to watch the sky transform into shades of orange and red as the sun set.
Final Days and Memorial Information
In her final days, Ann received care at Cedars Sam Cohen Household, where the staff were thanked for their loving and compassionate support. Special gratitude was also expressed to Marcelle Landry, R.N., described by the family as “the angel who dropped into our lives when Ann needed her, bringing laughter, dancing, and love.”
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 16, at the Conroy‑Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, located at 300 Allen Avenue in Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Burial will be private, attended only by immediate family.
Friends and admirers may view Ann’s memorial page and leave online condolences at www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make contributions to the Maine Cancer Foundation’s “Tri for a Cure” program, 170 U.S. Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Ann Marie (Hollywood) McDonough is survived by her children Maria Kilbride, Melissa and Jim Allen, and John and Sara McDonough; 14 grandchildren, including Erin Kilbride and Alicia Seda, Maggie Kilbride and Dan O’Connell, Seamus, Keegan, Chloe Kilbride, Amanda Nurse, Ashley and Ryan Kent, Amy Allen, Meaghan and Joe Phillips, Gabriella Martin, Joey, MacEllen, Maddie McDonough, and Murphy and Cody Trybus; great‑grandchildren Kieran and Tiegan O’Connell, Riley and Addie Nurse, Jimmy and Tommy Kent, Harlon and Josie Phillips, and Cooper Trybus; and her sister Pam and Wayne Webster.
