Obituary of Ruth M. Kennedy

LUBEC and MILBRIDGE--Ruth (McLaughlin) Kennedy passed from this life to a better place on Sunday, September 4, 2022.  She was born November 1, 1931, in Lubec, Maine, the oldest child of James and Georgie McLaughlin.  

Ruth graduated from Lubec High School in 1950 and went on to business school in Brookline, MA.  She worked as a secretary in Boston for several years, during which time she met and married George Kennedy, a pharmacy student from Milbridge.  Her first two children were born during their time in Boston.  The family moved back to Maine in 1955, first living in Cherryfield and then moving to Milbridge.  Two more children were born during the 1950’s and Ruth became a devoted stay-at-home mother of four.  In 1971, George and Ruth bought Kennedy’s Drug Store in Milbridge and she worked there with her husband as a pharmacy technician.  George passed away in 1992 and, in 1997, Ruth married Harlan Dobbins of Machiasport.  She and Harlan wintered in Florida and spent their summers in Milbridge and enjoyed life together until his illness.  He passed away in January 2014.  Ruth moved to Solstice Senior Living in Bangor in 2013.  Ruth was a member of the Milbridge Congregational Church and sang in the choir there for 50 years.  Ruth’s passions were singing and traveling.  She was fortunate to take many cruises, travel to many places in this country and in Canada, as well as many trips to various places in Europe.  

She is survived by her children Debra Stanley and husband David of SC, Eric Kennedy and wife Pamela of SC, Teresa Sprague and husband Peter of Brewer, Maine, Kevin Kennedy and wife Ellen of Milbridge, Maine; grandchildren Aaron Kennedy and wife Sara of GA, Jessica Kennedy and husband Jeffrey Smith of SC, Derrick Ray of Maine; great-grandchildren Jett Smith, Walker Kennedy, Zachary Ray, Tessa Lee Ray; sister Alta Greenslade of OK; four great-grandchildren; step-son Dwight Dobbins and wife Stephanie, and their daughter Bailey of GA; step-daughter Donna Pagnano and husband Kevin, and their daughters Hannah, Natalie, and Emily of Durham, ME; several cousins, nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by both husbands; brother Lee; sister Jean; childhood and life-long friend Harriet (Pushee) Allen; best friend Joanne (Sawyer) Rathbun; very special friend Herb Colson. 

The family would like to thank the team of Kindred Hospice for their care and comfort of Ruth and her family.  Memorial contributions may be made to Milbridge Congregational Church, P.O. Box 67, Milbridge, ME  04658, or to the American Cancer Society. 

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Milbridge at a later date.   Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.  Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com