Carolyn Louise Ridge

Portland - Carolyn Louise (Baker) Ridge, 87, died on November 26, 2022. Carolyn was born on September 6, 1935, in Portland, the daughter of the late Fred and Ada (Mitchell) Baker Sr. She grew up in Portland and graduated from Portland High School. On June 1, 1957, she married William Ridge Sr., who died on February 6, 1970. Carolyn began work at the Model Cities Program and served the Girl Scouts of America for several years. This was followed by the Regional Transportation Program (RTP), and finally, at W.C. Cressey in Kennebunkport where she designed specialty handicap vans and buses. Upon retirement, Carolyn worked as a consultant for the State of Maine addressing the American with Disabilities Act and related transportation needs for many projects. She served as an advisor for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) at Sacred Heart Parish and was actively involved with the Dioceses and State CYO Boards. She was a devout parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, where she served in many roles including Eucharistic minister, creating the weekly bulletin, a lector, and a member of the parish council. In her free time, she enjoyed working on house projects, spending time with family at Pine Point Beach, Pier fries, and going on walks on the boulevard with her golden retriever, Moxie. Christmas Eve and birthday celebrations were very special to her, and she was thrilled to invite as many people as possible to join in the celebrations at her home. She loved her family "a bushel and a peck!" She was predeceased by her husband, William Ridge Sr. on February 6, 1970; two sisters, Norma Clark and Rosalie MacDonald; and a brother, Fred Baker Jr. Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Karen Normandin and husband Denis of Augusta; sons, William Ridge Jr. and wife Martha of South Portland, Thomas Ridge of Gray; sister, Shirley Simpson of South Portland; 6 grandchildren, Adam Normandin and wife Corinn of Scarborough, Laura Tyson and husband Jordan of Scarborough, William Ridge III and wife Rachel of Scarborough, Emily Connolly and husband Michael of Middleborough, Massachusetts, Ethan Ridge of Portland, Leah Ridge of Gray; 5 great grandchildren, Jack Tyson, Charlotte Ridge, McKenna Connolly, William (Liam) Ridge IV, Ada Normandin. Carolyn had a large extended family and friends who meant a great deal to her. Carolyn's family would like to thank the staff of 75 State Street for the wonderful care and generous concern for her during the 4 years she resided there. We are grateful for all they did to create a home for Carolyn. Visiting hours celebrating Carolyn's life will be held from 4-7pm on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. On Tuesday, December 6, prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15am, followed by the 10am Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, corner of Mellen Street and Sherman Street, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to 75 State Street, Attn.: Advancement Office, Portland, ME 04101; or Sacred Heart Church, 307 Congress St., Portland ME 04101.