SOUTH PORTLAND — Phyllis Arlene Palanza, 82, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, died Feb. 26 at the South Portland Nursing Home.
 
Born on March 27, 1928, in Ashland, a daughter of Harold and Marion (Peabbles) Johnson, she was raised in Cape Elizabeth and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School.

In 1946 she  married Antonio C. Palanza, and they had four children together.

With her husband Antonio, she helped develop Antonio Palanza and Sons, a residential home building business in Cape Elizabeth.

She was very involved in her community, and was a member of many organizations, including the Cape Elizabeth Gardening Club, Purpoodock Club, and the Holy Cross Church.

After she retired, she lived near Sebago Lake until she became a resident at the South Portland Nursing Home, where she was well-loved by the staff and residents.

A fun-loving, outgoing woman, she will be missed by many.

She was predeceased by a brother, Norman Sutherland, and a granddaughter, Rachel McCarthy.

Survivors include her four children, Antonio Palanza and his wife Linda, Jean Palanza, June Holmes, and Peter Palanza; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 3, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A reception will follow at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., Portland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Portland Nursing Home, 42 Anthoine St., South Portland, ME 04106.

Online condolences may be shared at hobbsfuneralhome.com.

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