PARIS — My mother, Ruth Rawson, was the strength that held our family together. She cherished and loved her husband Gordon and their two daughters, Deanna and Linda with all her heart. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love on June 3.

She was always a mother first putting her own ambitions aside making sure her daughters enjoyed a life full of love, happiness and strong family values. My parents met at Camp Kilmer, N.J., in 1945, it was love at first sight.

Being an Army wife, there were times when dad was stationed out of the country and she became both mother and father to her daughters. My sister and I would sometimes rebel missing our father so much but she always took it in stride and kept our lives as normal as possible.

She was a remarkable woman full of love and generosity toward everyone whose lives she touched. She endured many losses and hardships during her lifetime but her strong will and faith always endured.

Out of her love for all things old and beautiful, grew her antique business “Stagecoach Antiques” that prospered for more than 40 years on Paris Hill. She will always be remembered as the “Paris Hill Porch Sale Lady” serving coffee and donuts to all her patient patrons waiting in line until the gate opened promptly at 7 a.m.

She was loved by everyone. Family and friends will miss her endearing smile and her loving and gentle ways. She made everyone feel welcome into her beautiful home full of all things special to her. She especially loved her beautiful gardens and the joy they brought to others.

It is with much love that I dedicate my poetry to her for all the love, support and encouragement she showered upon me throughout the years. She has been and always will be the strength within my pen.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Richardson and son-in-law, Jeffrey Richardson, of North Attleboro, Mass.

Online condolences may be expressed to the familt at www,oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.