Ruth S. Eriksen

RAYMOND — Ruth S. Eriksen, 71, of Raymond Cape, died on Jan. 17, 2012, following a long battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 7,1940, to Martin and Elise Eriksen.

Ruth attended schools in Brooklyn and spent her final year of high school in Fergus Falls, Minn., where she graduated from the Hillcrest Lutheran Christian Academy. Following her education, she immediately began her work for the New York Telephone Co. in 1957. Though its name changed several times over her years to Bell Atlantic, Nynex and eventually Verizon, she remained a faithful and valued employee until her retirement in 1995.

In 1996, she and her brother, Leif, purchased property on beautiful Raymond Cape, entertaining many friends there over the years. The setting is most notable for its beautiful ledges overlooking magnificent sunsets across Sebago Lake. She felt extremely blessed to spend her final years there.

Ruth was a member of the First Evangelical Free Church in Brooklyn and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Brethren Church, also in Brooklyn. Since moving to Maine, she has made Christ Chapel of Raymond her church family. Ruth was active in children’s ministries throughout her adult life and she will be especially remembered for her love and warmth toward every child and baby who she met.Ruth affected many lives through her brilliant smile and laughter. She truly lived her Christian faith, evidenced by her many kindnesses and acts of countless generosity. She was a Christian witness to all who knew her, shining her light of love to many along the way.

Proud of her Norwegian heritage, having been raised in a first generation Norwegian home, she maintained many contacts with Norwegian friends in Brooklyn, Norway and across the United States.

She will be forever loved and missed by many, but particularly by her most faithful friend of well over 40 years, Janet Larsen of Brooklyn, N.Y. Ruth had enjoyed extensive travel with Janet and other friends.

She was predeceased by her brother and dear friend, Leif Eriksen in 2006.

She is survived by two cousins and countless friends.

A service of memory and celebration was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Christ Chapel, Northern Pines Road, Raymond. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth has requested that donations be made in her memory to: The Gosnell MemorialHospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd., Scarborough, ME 04074 or to the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Care Center, 1250 67th St., Brooklyn, NY 11219.