Coleman Nee Obituary (1996 - 2018) - South Portland, Maine

Scarborough - Coleman Nee, 21, passed away on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his beloved family. Coleman was born in Portland on October 18, 1996 to Richard "Dickie" and Kathryn "Katie" (Griffin) Nee. He was Dickie and Katie's sixth of seven children. Born with significant complications, Coleman spent his first nine months in the hospital, battling for his family every day just to see the next. Doctors and experts cautioned his loving family that Coleman may never make it out of the hospital. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against him, Coleman fought hard to not just to survive, but to excel. He was rewarded with the most loving family a young boy could ever hope for. In his 21 years, Coleman was treated to a quality of life uncharacteristic of a child in his situation thanks to his family. He also endured immeasurable suffering, yet always with his beautiful smile and sense of humor. To know him truly was to love him, as he was the source of eternal wisdom and love, teaching his family and all those who were lucky enough to spend time with him more lessons than ever could be anticipated. Coleman's family, spirit, sense of humor, and purity of heart were gifts that he shared with everybody he encountered. Coleman's aforementioned setbacks did not stop him from accomplishing so much more than any doctors or experts ever expected. He was able to walk on his own, ride his bike, enjoy sunshine and the outdoors, and in 2017, he graduated from Scarborough High School, where he was active with the Special Olympics. There can be no doubt that Coleman was immediately reunited in Heaven with his father, "Dickie" (d. Christmas Eve, 2016); big brother, Seamus Nee (d. April, 2003); grandfathers, Thomas Nee and William Griffin; uncle, Thomas Nee, Jr; cousin, Ben Clough. He is survived by his loving and supportive mother, Katie Nee of Scarborough, adoring siblings, William "Billy" Nee of South Portland, Patrick Nee of Portland, Bridget McNamara and husband John of South Portland, Mary Nee of South Boston, and Annie Nee of Scarborough. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Kathryn Nee of Portland and Ellen Griffin of South Portland, and his nephew, Seamus Richard McNamara. The family wishes to offer their sincerest gratitude to Coleman's friend and caregiver, Grace Stultz. They would also like to thank the teachers and staff in the Scarborough School System, and the staff at Maine Medical Center, especially the nurses on R4, for the loving care Coleman received. Visiting Hours celebrating Coleman's remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, April 3 from 4-8PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 4 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support research for Rett Syndrom by visiting www.rettsyndrome.org/make-a-difference/donate