YARMOUTH – Ruth E. MacKinnon, 77, longtime resident of Smith Street, Yarmouth, died Friday, Jan. 21, at Coastal Manor in Yarmouth following a long illness.

She was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Northboro, Mass., a daughter of Charles Chamberlain Sr. and Margaret Mulcahey Chamberlain.

She graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1945 and received her nursing certificate from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in South Portland, graduating in 1977.

She was employed as a licensed practical nurse at Mercy Hospital for a brief time until she stayed home to take care of her mother.

She was a longtime active member of the First Parish Congregational Church of Yarmouth, served on several church committees, and had also been a church deaconess.

The MacKinnon home was a gathering place for family and friends. It was a second home to many, and she enjoyed cooking, baking, and caring for all. Many family members and area residents had the privilege on their special day, to have one of her wedding cakes which she made at her part-time bakery business. She mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and was most happy when the house was full of grandchildren.

She is survived by three sons, David R. MacKinnon and his wife, Joyce, of El Cajon, Calif., Robert N. MacKinnon Jr. of Yarmouth, and William E. MacKinnon and his wife, Kelly, of Minot; one brother, Robert Chamberlain of Yarmouth; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert N. MacKinnon Sr., who died in 2003; and a daughter, Judith Ustic, who died in 1989.

The MacKinnon family would like to offer special thanks to longtime friend and caregiver, Betsy Batchelor, for the care she gave to Ruth for so long.