Ruth I. (Fortin) Johnson

Ruth Irene (Fortin) Johnson

            June 18, 1935 - March 9, 2024

                        88 Years Old

   Portland, Ruth I. (Fortin) Johnson passed away after a short stay at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on March 9, 2024. Ruth was born in Portland on June 18, 1935 the daughter of the late Louis Napoleon Fortin and Alice M. (Carson) Fortin.

     Ruth was married to William F. Johnson and together they raised a large family on the West End of Portland. The house on Spring St was a gathering place for friends and family. Many nights were spent on the front steps or around the dining room table playing cards. Later she and Bill moved the family to St John St in Portland. A much smaller house than the big apartment on Spring St. But the big dinners and holiday gatherings kept on going.

     Ruth was known to many as Ma! She loved bingo at John Roberts Rd or the Elks in Portland. She was happiest when she was feeding her large family and friends in her small kitchen. She cooked family dinners on Sundays for as long back as we can remember and all were welcome. She always cooked extra just in case someone stopped in. All the kids’ friends and all the family were in and out.

    Ruth was predeceased by her husband William F. Johnson, her father Louis (Nappi) Fortin, mother Alice M. Fortin, brothers Francis, Richard and Philip a son Philip Johnson, daughter Janice Johnson she is survived by her daughters Bonnie (Bill) Ingraham of Hollis, Cindy (John) Lunt of Portland, Alice (James) Littejohn of Westbrook, Denise Johnston of Portland, a son William C. Johnson of Portland, sisters Cecelia DuPerre of Windham, Janet Larrabee of Limington and brother Larry Fortin of Portland. Ruth is also survived by her grandchildren Keith (Laurie) and Gregory McLaughlin, Matthew (Kalie) Andrew (Melinda) and Alexander Lunt, Elizabeth and James Littlejohn, Michael Johnston, William Johnson. Ruth has many great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews that are saddened of her leaving us.

      Ruth will be laid to rest in Old Calvary Cemetery with her husband Bill and Children Janice and Philip. She wasn’t big on being the center of attention so she asked that we not have a funeral or wake. The family will celebrate Ruth’s life at a summer gathering or maybe a Sunday dinner.

      Thanks to MMC Cardiac ICU staff, the Gosnell Memorial House staff as well as A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation for taking great care of Ma.

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