Barbara Ericson

Saco

Mrs. Barbara Gumb Ericson passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023, at the age of 99 with her daughter, Joanne, and son-in-law Gary, and son Timothy, and wife Tracy, by her side. Barbara was born on October 9, 1923, the daughter of Wallace Rueben Gumb and Mary Gordon Gumb, and the first of three children. While growing up in Nashua, NH the Baptist Church was a big part of her life. Guided thoughtfully and lovingly by her parents and her supportive extended family she grew up to learn responsibility, kindness, diligence, thrift, and the importance of good behavior. Throughout her life Barbara gave of herself to the benefit of others, and in time our family soon proclaimed her to be "The Queen of Unconditional Love".

In school Barbara excelled, especially in reading, and continued the practice of reading great books throughout her life. Barbara loved the great open spaces from frog ponds to spacious parks, to spaces where she could ice skate in the winter, and swim and boat and horseback ride in the warm weather. She was an adventurous gal, full of energy and glee.

Barbara always aspired to be a nurse, and it was her love of the ocean that called her to Beverly, MA for her nurse's training. She said, "Nursing School was everything to me. It was hard, so I worked hard." There she earned her RN Degree, made life-long friends, and met her future husband, Eddie. Ed and Barbara were married at Navy Pier Chapel in Chicago, IL just before Edwin was shipped out to the Pacific Ocean with the Navy to defend our country in WWII. During War Time Barbara was a nurse at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA. Barbara and Ed eventually settled in Lynnfield, MA to raise their five children where home, church, and school worked together for a healthy upbringing. The special Sunday Dinner was a constant until summer arrived. Then after church we were off to play at the beach and enjoy Barbara's awesome picnic lunch.

Barbara was a devoted member of the Lynnfield Center Congregational Church for 66 years! She was an active member of the Wayside Wheel, enjoyed delivering the altar flowers to shut-ins after each Sunday service, and spread her talent of unconditional love throughout the congregation.

Barbara pursued her nursing career before, during, and after raising her five children. She worked at Lynn Union Hospital and later a nursing home. She was eager and happy and proud to be of service to the infirmed. Once she retired Barbara devoted herself to volunteering for Hospice of the North Shore in Danvers, MA and was honored with exceptional service.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Edwin A. Ericson, her brother, Sonny Gumb, and her sister, Catherine G. Etzel. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and a cherished friend to so many. Barbara leaves behind two daughters; Joanne E. Howard and her husband, Dr. Gary D. Howard of Ocean Park, ME: and Dr. Judith E. Clyman and her husband, Dr. Robert Clyman, of North Caldwell, NJ; and three sons; Rev. Stephen E. Ericson and wife Shirley C. Ericson of Hummelstown, PA; Peter G. Ericson of Saco, ME; and Timothy M. Ericson and wife, Tracy C. Ericson of Kennebunk, ME. Barbara had 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She loved them all, unconditionally.

The funeral service will be held at B. C. Jordan Memorial Hall at 48 Temple Ave, Ocean Park, ME on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at noon. A reception will follow at the adjacent Porter Memorial Hall after the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Parish Congregational Church, 12 Beach St., Saco, ME 04072 in loving memory of Barbara G. Ericson. We thank our omnipotent God for giving us a most humble servant in Barbara Ericson.