1927 – 2016

WEST PARIS — Olive Elizabeth Risko (Howe), 89, of Bryant Pond, died Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Ledgeview Living Center in West Paris.

Olive was born Sept. 26, 1927, in Bryant Pond, daughter of the late John Everett and Rena (Farrington) Howe.

She is survived by her sons, Robert C. Howe of Highland Mills, N.Y., Larry Risko and his wife, Linda, of Bryant Pond, Michael Risko and his wife, Joyce, of Great Falls, Mo.; former daughter-in-law, Mary Gage of Bethel; grandchildren, Jodi Howe, Heather McCadden and her husband, Robert, Alexandra Risko, Lee Muller and his wife, Dianna, Sara Wade and Karrie Risko; siblings, J. Francis (Bill) Howe and his wife, Winona (Nonie), Edwin Howe, Steve Howe and his wife, Joyce, all of Bryant Pond; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Risko; daughter, Anita Ganci; son-in-law, Lou Ganci; and sister-in-law, Eloise Howe.

Olive grew up in the village of Bryant Pond and graduated from Woodstock High School, Class of 1945. She graduated from nursing school in Lewiston and was a member of the Nurses Cadet Corps. She pursued a nursing career in New York. It is there she met and married Michael Risko on Aug. 8, 1959. They lived in Spring Valley, N.Y., raising their family until Michael’s death in 1982.

After Michael’s passing, Olive retired and moved back to Bryant Pond. She was a die-hard Red Sox fan and loved her Patriots, too. One of her favorite things in life to do was pack a lunch and drive to Grafton Notch State Park with her Red Sox on the radio.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Ledgeview Living Center for the wonderful care they gave Olive.