PORTLAND — Evelyn (Mainente Kantauskis) Tardiff, 96, of Saco, passed away after a brief illness on Aug. 27, in Portland.

Evelyn was born in Beaune, France in 1921, the daughter of Anton Mainente and Marcelle Darneau. Evelyn grew up in Rumford and Lewiston and lived in Lewiston most of her life, until she moved to Saco in 2013. Evelyn graduated from Lewiston High School and attended nursing school at Central Maine Medical Center.

She married Joseph Kantauskis in 1942. Evelyn started her career in the stitching room at Bates Manufacturing and worked her way up to become assistant personnel manager. She then moved to Bonan Footwear as director of personnel. After her retirement she worked at Central Maine Medical Center. Joe passed away in 1987. In 1990 Evelyn married Roland Tardiff and they spent their winters in Florida and with their two extended families. Roland died in 1998.

Evelyn was a lifelong learner. She learned by reading about history, art, science and culture. She traveled extensively, took courses, attended lectures, met interesting people and asked interesting questions. Evelyn knit beautiful clothes and blankets and was very generous distributing her masterpieces. She was always up to date on local, national and international news and stayed engaged in the world around her. She always loved to hear the adventures of her grandchildren and other young people.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Janice Jeck, Joseph Kantauskis (Gayle Brown) and Jeanne Kantauskis Shapiro (Philip); her stepdaughter, Jackie Palubinskas (Ben); her beloved grandchildren, Alysson Shapiro Caine (Tyler) and Tracy Shapiro (Jolene Hirst); and her sister, Betty Gilmartin. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was predeceased by brothers, Anton and Richard; and her stepdaughter, Janice Moffitt.

Evelyn enjoyed living at The Wardwell and greatly appreciated the generosity and caring attitude of the staff and her many friends.

To leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.

Evelyn Tardiff

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