Ruth I Jacobsen

1938 – 2026

Scarborough – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother and Nanny, Ruth I Jacobsen. Ruth passed peacefully on August 17 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough surrounded by compassionate care and love.

Ruth was born in Wilmington, Massachusetts, the daughter of Ruth G. Smith Esty and Howard F. Esty Sr. As a young child, she and her family later moved to Portland, Maine which became her lifelong home. Ruth moved 24 times throughout her life creating a lifetime filled with different homes, experiences and memories along the way. Ruth attended Portland schools where she was a majorette and a member of the Teen Clickers.

Ruth worked full time throughout her life while raising her two children, Catherine and Roland (Rolly) and retired from the Portland Press Herald in 2004. She had a passion for her feline furry friends and welcomed many into her home. Ruth enjoyed cooking and baking and loved to dance. She was a member of the Elks Club in Portland for many years and was an avid collector of recipes.

Ruth loved her family – her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of pride and joy. She will be remembered not only for the things she did, but for the love she gave and the special place she held in lives of those who knew her including her “Brat Pack.”

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Catherine and son-in-law, Jason Landry; her grandchildren, Scott and Michael; Scott’s wife Anna; her great grandchildren, Emma, Grace and Henry; the Fleming family of Massachusetts, and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her son, Roland E. Jacobsen Jr. and her brothers Howard (Sonny) F. Esty Jr. and Robert (Bob) Esty.

A graveside celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 28 at 11:00 am at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress Street, Portland, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal shelter of your choice or the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Maine Medical Center on floors P2, R5, MFT and the ED. and to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the overwhelming kindness, compassion and dignity they showed Ruth during the final days of her life. Their care and support meant so much to Ruth’s family. The staff are truly angels.