1919 – 2013

PORTLAND — Henrietta Donalda Dascanio, 94, of Portland, died on Sunday, Aug. 18, at St. Joseph’s Residence in Portland.

She was born in Lewiston on April 5, 1919, the daughter of Ernest and Donalda (Thibeault) Chaput. In 1950, she married Daniel Michael Dascanio to whom she was married for 55 years.

Henrietta attended schools in Lewiston and Waterville, and graduated from Waterville High School.

She was employed as a seamstress and worked for the Felix Dress Shop in Portland. In later years, she worked at the Portland School Department’s central kitchen at the old Reed School and at Riverton School. She was known to give generous portions and extra treats to the children.

Henrietta was known in the family for her famous spaghetti sauce and her wonderful pies, and won many local baking awards. She was an avid candlepin bowler at the Big 20 Bowling Center in Scarborough and at Pride’s Corner Bowling Alley in Westbrook in later years.

She is survived by her sister, Marietta Bikulcius of Lewiston; two daughters, Karen Dascanio of Westbrook and Penelope Sirois and her husband, Larry, of Saco; three grandchildren, William Chouinard III and his wife, Michelle, of Virginia, and Frederique and Daniella Sirois of Saco; three great-grandchildren. Austin and Benjamin Chouinard of New York, and Taylor of Virginia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2005; and her sister, Esmerilda (Amy) Picard.

The family would like to thank all those involved in her care during her stay at St. Joseph’s Residence.

Online condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.