Claire Joyce Ricker

Claire J. Ricker, 78, of Gorham passed away on January 17, 2021 after a brief illness at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. She resided at the Gorham House nursing facility for the past 11 years. Claire was born on February 11, 1942 in Portland, Maine to the late Walter S. and Rita M. Ricker (Currie). She grew up in Falmouth Foreside, attended local schools and graduated from high school there. In her younger years, Claire loved to dance. She was also a big fan of Elvis Presley. She loved the ocean and spending time at the beach. You would often find her swimming and floating around in the water. She also loved to play bingo. The most important things to Claire were her family and dear friends. She loved birthday celebrations and had an impressive memory, remembering people's birthdays and special dates. Her family says they will all miss Claire's phone calls to sing happy birthday on each of their special days. She is predeceased by her beloved significant other, Herbie Damon, whom she met when she moved to the Gorham House. They shared 11 special years together. Herbie passed away on October 30, 2020. She is also predeceased by her sister Nancy E. Kelley and brother Ronald S. Ricker and her special aunt Clarabelle "Cuddy" Dunham. Survivors include two daughters, Joyce M. Conant and her fiance Jim Karayinopulos, Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland and Charlene A. Conant and her significant other Danny Emerson, of South Berwick, Maine; three grandchildren, Jason R. Pepin and his wife Caroline Y. Pepin of Frederick, Maryland, Jennifer A. Tufts and Nicholas R. Gratton; and her new great granddaughter Iliyana S. Pepin. She is also survived by her sister Sally A. Timmons and her husband Michael J. Timmons of Cumberland, Maine, sister-in-law Teresa J. Ricker of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Priscilla Waite, of Port Charlotte, Florida and her amazing family of staff and friends at the Gorham House. At Claire's request, there will be no service held. In lieu of flowers, Claire's family asks those wishing to express their sympathies to consider a donation in Claire's name to the Gorham House Activities Fund. Please make checks payable to The Gorham House, 50 New Portland Road, Gorham, ME 04038. In the notes section, please ensure Claire Ricker's name and activities fund is noted.