She was born April 4, 1940 in Suffern, NY., the daughter of Michael and Bruenetta Shuart Durisko. She grew up in Tuxedo Park NY and lived for a time in Venezuela. She was a graduate of Thevenet Hall Academy in NY, studied at the New York Founding Hospital and received her degree as a registered nurse. The military brought her and her family through many states before settling in Maine.
She was the widow of LtCdr. Robert E. Ericson, US Navy, who died Sept. 16, 1994. She later found love a second time and married Stephen Fortin who would prove to be her best friend until his death on Dec. 3, 2000.
Mrs. Fortin retired as a nurse at Parkview Memorial Hospital and later worked a Grand City and at New Meadows Day Care where she was able to spend time with many children including several of her greatgrandchildren on a daily basis.
She volunteered for many years at the Brunswick Soup Kitchen and was always helping and giving support to those in need throughout her life.
She loved to travel and did so both as a Navy wife and on the many trips and adventures she embarked on with her close friend Brenda.
She was predeceased by a brother, Michael Durisko; 2 sons-in-law, Joe Murphy and John York and a daughter-in-law, Tammy Ericson.
She is survived by 4 daughters, Mary Jane Favreau and her husband Jim of Brunswick, Anita Ericson York of Lisbon Falls, Rose Murphy of Brunswick and Kerstin Palmer and her husband Nelson of Lisbon Falls and two sons, Robert E. Ericson, Jr., and his wife Becca of GA., and Thomas D. Ericson of Brunswick; 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by those who knew and loved her and the many whose lives she touched during her time here on Earth.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, at St. Charles Borromeo Church of All Saints Parish, McKeen Street, Brunswick. Friends and family may visit from 5- 7 p.m., Wednesday at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. Interment will be in Growstown Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s School Event Center of All Saints Parish, 132 McKeen Street, Brunswick 04011.
A tribute of her life and condolences to the family may be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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