NORTH HAVEN — Ruth MacDonald Adams, born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Helen Victoria Reed and Argyle Augustus MacDonald, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, on North Haven, Maine, at the age of 80.

Ruth spent nearly her entire life on her beloved island of North Haven, exploring its woods and beaches, searching for lady slippers, and enjoying countless days on and around the water. She cherished simple pleasures—family picnics with burnt hot dogs and steamed clams in every season.

A wonderful cook, gardener, and creative spirit, Ruth was known for her dahlias and Casablanca lilies, and for hosting family dinners filled with exceptional food, laughter and love.

She graduated from North Haven High School, where she was a standout basketball player, holding the single-game scoring record of 53 points for decades—a reflection of her talent, determination and spirit.

Ruth was a loyal and thoughtful friend who loved gatherings and long conversations. She stayed closely connected to her island and summer communities, always welcoming the return of spring, old friends, and familiar rhythms.

She worked nearly 40 years at Waterman’s & Co., the island’s general store, and spent many years caring for summer families, forming lifelong relationships. She was a very dedicated, hard worker throughout her life.

Above all, Ruth was a devoted, loving, mother, sister, and daughter. She supported her children wholeheartedly—attending every game and milestone, greeting arrivals and departures at the ferry, and always sending her love from the door until her family was out of sight.

Ruth is survived by her children Angela and her husband Sherwood; Alan and his children, Easton and Adriana, and their mother Kelly; her grandsons Zachery and Jesse; her great-grandchildren Isabel and Layla; her beloved brother Peter MacDonald and his wife Bonnie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Bodine; her brother James; and her eldest son, Arnold.

In her final months, Ruth was cared for at Southern Harbor House on North Haven, where she formed meaningful friendships and was surrounded by compassion and daily visits from friends and neighbors. She was also lovingly cared for by Lorainne and Gretchen at the North Haven clinic and her friends Karen Marves and Holly Blake among many other dear friends and caregivers.

A small graveside service will be held May 2, at 11 a.m., at Fuller Cemetery, followed by a gathering at Nebo Lodge at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Harbor House or Waterman’s Community Center—places she deeply valued.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.