Roberta J. Ricker

South Portland – Roberta J. Ricker, 82, passed away peacefully in Scarborough in August of 2025 surrounded by family. Roberta was born in Portland, in September of 1942, the daughter of Robert P. and Lillian M. (LeBlanc) Gomez of Long Island, Maine. She grew up on Long Island, graduated from Portland High School in 1960 and later in life attended Maine College of Art.

While traveling to and from Portland for school on the Casco Bay Lines ferries she met the love of her life, Captain Robert (Bob) Ricker of Chebeague Island and South Portland (they met when she was he was a deckhand). They married in 1961 and navigated an incredible life together with their two children Linden and Suzanne. The family lived in a few places on the East Coast, including northern Vermont, before settling back in Maine in 1976 and paving the way for over 63 years of marriage.

Roberta was best known for her incredible artwork. She began her art career in high school and continued on to create hundreds of paintings (acrylic) throughout her life. She decided to go to the Maine College of Art to enhance an already advanced talent and continue to establish a truly memorable body of work. Subjects were mostly related to local Maine islands and lighthouses, a beautiful historical collection of Casco Bay ferries and other vessels, anything nautical, coastal and unique whimsical visions. She participated in many successful art shows and private gallery events. Her artwork is still displayed in several local businesses as well as countless homes internationally. The artistic talent also shone through with her gardening. From vegetable gardens to elaborate floral landscaping around her home, people frequently stopped and took notice and were usually provided gardening advice and some good conversation.

Her self-published book, West by North ~ A Quarter North, was written around 2004. She spent years furthering family and local history research with her life-long friend Susan, to create a family story which is educational as well as entertaining. In her words she “picked up the literary paintbrush to create a historical portrait of Casco Bay that extends from the 1700s up to 1960…“

Roberta and her sisters were amazing chefs, contributing to years of family and Island events. She ran the kitchen at 75 State Street in Portland, Maine for a number of years before joining her husband in semi retirement as part of the crew of the Maine Responder (MSRC) as the ships cook. She was responsible for preparing many meals for the Captain, Crew and MSRC Associates as well as many extra workers from away, that came on board for special cleanup missions. Her reputation was established and no one missed a meal.

Along with her family, Roberta was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Longfellow chapter in South Portland, Maine. She worked her way up through the chairs, became Worthy Matron, after which she was chosen to be part of the Grant chapter of Maine as Grand Martha. In her capacity as part of the Grand Chapter of Maine, she traveled the state with her husband and others to visit various local chapters and making many friends along the way.

Family life also provided the need to focus on issues regarding Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. She was the driving force for her young son Linden, ensuring his education, well-being, participating in the first Special Olympics in Vermont and for many years, his various numerous achievements in life and ultimately establishing his permanent care from an incredible family in his later years.

She is survived by her husband, Captain Robert D Ricker, son Linden, daughter Suzanne: two sisters Mrs. Ann Marie Cady and Carmen Robertson, brother Bill Gomez and his wife Connie; many loving Nieces, Nephews and Cousins and the huge extended family (both sides) whom loved her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Peter Gomez.

Through the years our family has also enjoyed a huge community of friends, all of which came into our lives for a reason. Thank you for adding so much enrichment and helping to create wonderful memories and stories for us to carry forward.

The family would like to thank Compassus (hospice) in Scarborough Maine as well as The Enclave of Scarbrough and her medical team for their outstanding care and support.

A celebration gathering will be held at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland at date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to: The Island Commons,132 Littlefield Rd. Chebeague Island, ME 04017; or Changing Tides Foundation, PO Box 279, Long Island, ME. 04050.