Obituary: Ruth E. Bridges
Maine Woman Ruth E. Bridges Dies at 81, Survived by Family and Friends
PORTLAND – Ruth E. Bridges, an 81‑year‑old lifelong Portland resident, died peacefully on September 26, 2026, at The Enclave, a senior care facility in the city. The Enclave and Gentiva Hospice staff were praised by the family for their compassionate care during her final days.
Born in September 1945 to Martin and Hazel (Henderson) Casey, Ruth grew up in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1963. She launched her career as a telephone operator before moving into the banking sector, where she spent decades working as a mortgage underwriter. Later she transitioned into auditing and quality control, building a reputation for precision and integrity.
In 1972, Ruth married her high‑school sweetheart David. Together they enjoyed an adventurous life, often spending weekends on their boat, the Sandpiper, exploring the Boothbay region. For over twenty years, the couple also traveled to Florida, creating lasting memories before David’s death in 2006.
Years later, Ruth attended her 50th high‑school reunion, where she reconnected with another former classmate, Louie (also spelled Louie). Their renewed friendship blossomed into a romantic partnership, and for twelve years they shared a life filled with travel to St. Petersburg, Florida, and summer stays at Highland Lake.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband David Bridges and her sister Barbara Fortier. She is survived by her partner of twelve years, Louis Savard, her daughter Cindy Bridges, her beloved cat Casey, her grand‑kitten Rosie, cousin Linda Henderson, and a broad circle of extended family members.
Funeral and Memorial Services
The family will hold a viewing at the Conroy‑Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center (300 Allen Ave., Portland) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6. Prayers will be offered at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church (492 Ocean Ave., Portland). Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.
An online memorial page can be accessed at Conroy‑Tully‑Walker.com. Family members and friends are invited to leave condolences or visit Ruth’s remembrance page.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ruth’s memory to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098, or to an Alzheimer’s foundation of the donor’s choice. Contributions may also be made online at arlgp.org/memorial.
Ruth’s life, marked by service, love, and an enduring spirit of adventure, left an indelible mark on those she touched throughout her 81 years. Her legacy continues through the families she supported and the communities she enriched.
