Ruth Margaret Mack

PORTLAND - Ruth Margaret Mack, R.N., 83, died peacefully at her home on May 22, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born the daughter of Rosella and Kenneth Little, in York Mills, New Brunswick, Canada on June 18th, 1934. She grew up in Harvey Station, New Brunswick where she attended a one room school house and bragged about skiing to school, skating on the York Mills Pond, and chasing bull frogs.

At the age of 17, she came to Maine, met, and married her husband Samuel S. Mack, of Portland. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past April. Ruth graduated from Maine Medical Center School of Nursing in 1953. After having her two children, she decided to continue her education at Westbrook College graduating in 1973 with her LPN. She was very proud to say that she was taking her SATs at the same time as her daughter. After receiving her R.N., she worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital and as a care coordinator for Community Health services. After retirement Ruth continued to be active in the community as a volunteer for flu shot clinics and designing floral arrangements for Mercy Hospital and area nursing homes.

Ruth enjoyed spending her time with friends bowling, line dancing, playing cards, and painting. She never slowed down, even attending gym classes and traveling to Oxford Casino weekly. Ruth was known for her many friends, neighborhood get-togethers, strawberry jam, and her famous spaghetti and meatballs. She also enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, and was affectionately known as Nana.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Samuel S. Mack; their two children Linda Mack Erskine, her husband, Dana and Alan D. Mack, and his wife Laurie; four grandchildren, Jennalyn Erskine Burke, her husband Joseph, Alaina Erskine- Andreotti, her husband Michael, Samantha Mack, and James Mack; and five great grandchildren, Camden and Caden Burke and Steven, Leah and Evan Andreotti. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Kenneth Little of Nova Scotia and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Mercy Oncology and special nurse Risa. In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the Nursing Education Fund at the Mercy Hospital Oncology Department, 195 Fore River Parkway #360, Portland, ME 04102. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 27th at 2:00pm at the Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, 790 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME. Burial to follow at Temple Beth El Cemetery in South Portland.