SHAPLEIGH- Andrea Marie Ronning, age 72, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026 at her home in Shapleigh after a two year battle with cancer. Andrea was born in Portland, Maine on June 15, 1954, the youngest of four children.
She is predeceased by her father Donald Ronning and mother Arlene (Brown) Ronning. She is survived by her siblings Lucy Mallar, Nancy Ronning, and Bill Ronning; her nieces Misty Mallar (Aidan), Jessica Mallar, Debra Hook (Jason), Stacie Knouse (Bernie); and great-nephew Jackson and two-great nieces, Madeline and Avery.
Andrea was a nightly Newsroom Director for over 40 years at NEWS CENTER Maine. It was her first employment after graduating from the University of Maine, and she stayed the course for four decades — starting in Bangor and then moving to Portland where she worked for most of her career. Andrea was dedicated to her work and she was highly respected for her professionalism, kindness, and steadfast support of her team.
In the words of her NEWS CENTER Maine colleagues, honoring her:
“Andrea spent most of her life serving the people of our state — making sure they were kept updated on major stories, like the Ice Storm of ‘98 and the Challenger disaster. Andrea steered the ship on the weekends — working with newer reporters, producers, and anchors — holding them to a high standard. She was a trailblazer — being one of the first women to be involved with TV production in Maine, and fighting for equal pay.”
Andrea was a writer. She was a gardener who took pride in growing and preserving her own food, and she loved to cook. Andrea loved spending time at her home, a special place she built in the woods to enjoy Maine’s beauty and peace.
In line with Andrea’s wishes, there will not be a formal service. The family suggests that donations in Andrea’s memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy in Maine.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, East Waterboro, www.mainefuneral.com