CUMBERLAND - It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Janet Ruby Erickson on Oct. 29, 2016.

Janet was born Oct. 29, 1956, in Mexico, Maine, to Eliot & Leatrice Gamage. From the beginning, Janet was an obvious extrovert, easily making friends even when surrounded by strangers. She filled the void in the Gamage home left after her three brothers set off to start their own careers and families. Janet was "Daddy's Little Girl" and always counted her mother as her best friend.

She traveled cross country after graduating from Mexico High School in 1975, and met her first husband, and father of her children, Timothy J. Farrell. Her greatest achievement, her "sunshine," was begot from this union in the form of her two children. Janet adored them and raised two bright, compassionate and driven adults.

Being a devoted mother, Janet worked many jobs, serving as a justice of the peace, a successful real estate agent and a certified nursing assistant. In 1998, Janet was re-married to the love of her life, Frank Erickson, and they shared many happy years together.

Throughout her life, Janet battled with multiple debilitating illnesses, yet always found the energy and time to enjoy her family. She was constantly getting the family together on holidays, birthdays and whenever possible. She basked in the glory of being surrounded by her loved ones and doted on each member with equal enthusiasm. Janet loved to recount stories, often bringing tales to life with her vivid animation.

Janet was as adventurous in the kitchen as she was in her life, trying new recipes all the time. She also enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and board games - especially when she won! She loved to travel, and was able to do this with Frank in recent years. Janet was also an avid and experienced shopper and gift giver, repeatedly surprising family and friends with gifts that were so perfect they couldn't have chosen them for themselves. She cared fiercely for her family and friends and would often go without in order to help those she loved.

Janet was predeceased by her father, Eliot Gamage in 2008; her daughter, Andrea Farrell in 2007; and her husband, Frank Erickson in 2014. Janet is survived by her son, Thomas Farrell and her daughter-in-law, Jess Winchenbach, of Rockland; her mother, Leatrice Gamage of Cumberland; her brothers, Lee (Susan) Gamage of Cumberland, Seth (Mary Fran) Gamage of North Carolina and Wayne (Brenda) Gamage of Benton; as well as several extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A service, with reception to follow, will be held at the same location on Friday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.