Ruth Paulson Dunn Williams

Scarborough- Ruth Paulson Dunn Williams, 101, passed away on February 20, 2014. The youngest of eleven children, Ruth was born to Norwegian immigrants, Kanute and Caroline Paulson, on March 3, 1912 in Manistique, Michigan. The family moved to Portland Maine, where Ruth graduated from Portland High School in 1930, and then Morse Telegraph School in Boston in 1931. She worked as a teller at a local bank, and married Alfred Dunn in 1934, and moved to Cape Elizabeth. During World War II, Ruth traveled by train to California three times in order to see her husband, whose Naval ship refueled in San Diego. With her sisters Lila Gaudette, and Agnes Turcotte, they developed the Cookie Jar Bakery in Cape Elizabeth, after first opening the Quito Sandwich Shop in Casco and the Cookie Jar Bakery in Boothbay Harbor. A lifelong resident of Maine, Ruth resided in Raymond as well as Cape Elizabeth and in Portland at the Park Danforth. Ruth’s philosophy was; “Be positive with a smile, and you will find love everywhere; and to have a friend you must be a friend”. She was truly loved by all who knew her, for a lifetime or a day.

The consummate mother, Ruth never failed to encourage and find value in everyone. A communicant of the First Lutheran Church her whole life, she was ever faithful and participated in all church events. She was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star. Widowed in her 50’s she met and married Robert Williams who predeceased her in 1986. She was also predeceased by all her siblings, 2 grandchildren, and many of her good friends. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Wood of Saco, her son, Scott Dunn and his wife Jocelyn of Largo Florida, her grandchildren; Leonard II, Pauli, Larry, Amanda, Jeffery, Jennifer, Jean, Diane, Scott II, Betsy, Susan, Heidi, Lori, Karen, Ellen and 22 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Ruth was a happy resident of the Pine Point Center for many years, and her family thanks the staff and volunteers who made her feel so much at home there. A service will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church, 132 Auburn St. Portland 04103. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to First Lutheran Church, or to the Pine Point Center, 67 Pine Point Rd. Scarborough ME 04074.