That all changed when she moved into her Berkeley Street apartment building owned by Frank Navarro.  Soon after that, Frank married and moved next door to Ruth, and eventually had three children, Rocco, Joseph and Amy. From the very beginning, Ruth became a unique presence in the lives of the children and parents. Very early on a bond of love connected her and the children.  She began calling them "my special friends" who she said "were a blessing to me easing my loneliness".  She became one of the family not only with this core family but also with the extended family members, and she was present at most holiday celebrations and at every major event in the lives of the children from baptisms, church events, birthday parties, school events and graduations. Throughout their childhood, especially those of Rocco and Joseph, she would routinely have dinner with them at her home and then spend time helping them with spellings lists, math problems or special projects.  She tried to instill good study habits in them and always encouraged them to do their best.  She reveled in every aspect of their lives and let them know how important they were to her and how special each was as an individual.  This bond would last for the rest of her life.

          Ruth loved travelling and was thrilled at the idea of opening up new places and ideas to the children. She took all three on many trips.  She would always take them individually because she wanted the trips to be "special" to each one. Some of these trips included New York City, Calgary, Prince Edward Island and the Amish country among many other places.  She often spoke about the joy it gave her to see their reactions to new places, people and events. She also took them to many concerts and particularly loved taking them to the Magic of Christmas concerts. Often Ruth would say that she didn't know how she would have done without the children in her life, especially the boys with whom she developed the closest relationships.  She called them "my boys" and included Frank in the mix. 

          All who knew of Ruth's relationship with them noted the wonderful influence she had on them.  This great lady's words of wisdom and kindness to them throughout the years such as "God has a plan', "I'll always be here for you", "You can do it", and "You're my whole family" have helped, guided, uplifted and comforted them in difficult moments.   

          As Rocco stated upon her passing, "She was like my mother, grandmother, sister and best friend.  Her passing has left a huge hole in my heart that can never be filled.  I can never thank God enough for the amazing gift she was to me and all who knew her."

          Ruth was the daughter of Mildred Johnson who died when Ruth was born and Howard Hodgdon.  At her request, a graveside service will be held at her burial site at11 AM on Thursday, December 17, 2009. at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Arrangements are by Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. 

 

Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home

199 Woodford St.

Portland, ME  04103

207-775-3763