Ruth D. Hermanson

Ruth D. Hermanson died January 17, 2007 in Rollinsford, NH. She was born in Berlin, NH on July 26, 1915, daughter of Homer Austin Smith and Freida Constance (Peterson) Smith. At an early age Mrs. Hermanson went to live with an Aunt and Uncle in Boston, MA, after her mother's death. She attended Boston Schools and graduated from Girl's High School, an elective school for girls dedicated in 1871 as the first high school for girls in the United States. She continued her study of music and performed in the Gilbert and Sullivan Spring Festival in Boston. In later years she continued her studies of colonial history, literature and early American Indian culture. Mrs. Hermanson was employed by Sherman Paper Products in Newton, MA, until her marriage to Norman Hermanson in 1939 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Berlin, NH. She was an active member through the years, serving as choir member, council member, and the WELCA women's group. In 1979, she presented a record of the 100 year history of St. Paul Lutheran Church at the time of the church's 100 year celebration. In 1945 Mrs. Hermanson was employed by the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, Concord, NH. She was appointed as Certifying Officer and Manager of the U.C. office in Berlin. There were 12 Certifying Officers in the state at that time. The Berlin office processed NH claims and forwarded all other state claims to the respective offices. Mrs. Hermanson remained in this position until her retirement in 1975. Mrs. Hermanson was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Holiday Center Board, Salvation Army Council, NH Employee's Association, Metropolitan Opera Guild, and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Duke of Gloucester Society). In 1997, Mr. and Mrs. Hermanson moved to Rollinsford, NH to be with their daughter, Christina Reishus and family. The history of the area was of great interest of Mrs. Hermanson, having been a student of history for many years. The family includes her daughter, Christina Hermanson-Reishus, granddaugher, Victoria Reishus, grandson William Reishus and his wife Corinna and great granddaugther, Alexis, who reside in Chester, NH. A brother Lawrence Smith of Berlin, a niece, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Hermanson was predeceased by her husband Norman in June of 2005. Her family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Wentworth Hospice for all of their support and concern over the past few months. There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on February 24, 2007 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church at 101 Norway Street, Berlin, NH 03570.