In Memory of

Ruth

Carolyn

Torrey

(Theriault)

Obituary for Ruth Carolyn Torrey (Theriault)

BANGOR – Ruth (Theriault) Torrey, 83, died peacefully September 14, 2018, after a brief illness. She was born December 21, 1934, in Howland, the daughter of Edmund and Mary Theriault.

Ruth grew up in a loving family of six brothers and five sisters. She graduated from Howland High School, Class of 1952, and Washington State Teachers College in Machias, Class of 1956. Ruth taught Kindergarten for 43 years in Millinocket, Bangor, and Brewer schools. She retired in 1999. In addition to her love of teaching, Ruth was passionate about her large family. She organized an annual family reunion with her sister, Pat Skehan, for many years and hosted it at the family farm in Deblois. After her husband, Lawrence, suffered a stroke in 1992, Ruth was his caretaker and companion on many adventures.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Lawrence E. Torrey; siblings, Clayton Theriault, Wayne Theriault, Joan Flagg, Darrell Theriault, Donald Theriault, John Theriault, Patricia Skehan, and William Theriault. Surviving are her daughters, Dr. Susan Torrey and spouse, Norma Adler, and Judith Hanning and husband, Eldon; grandchildren, Deanna Newbegin and husband, Mark, and Daniel Fowler; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew Newbegin; sisters, Alice Bruce, Phyllis Theriault; sisters-in-law, Joan Theriault, and Dorothy Theriault; a brother-in-law, John Skehan; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Relative and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’ Roman Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor, followed by the Rite of Committal at Mt. Hope Cemetery, State Street, Bangor. All are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor, immediately following the Rite of Committal, Wednesday. Those who wish to remember Ruth in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Pine Tree Society, P.O. Box 518, Bath, ME 04530-0518, or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com