Elizabeth J. Ripley, 81, resident of Amherst, NH, died on October 1, 2010 at Courville Nursing Home, Manchester, NH.

She was born in Framingham, MA on June 16, 1929, a daughter of the late Richard E. and Ebba (Ekstrom) Gorman. She was raised and educated in Medfield, MA, where she made her home for many years and moved to Amherst, NH, more than 20 years ago.

Mrs. Ripley was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, Milford and volunteered her time at the Share Clothing Barn for many years. In addition, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, crafts and sewing.

She was a loving mother, a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mrs. Ripley was predeceased by her husband, Lindsey N. Ripley Jr.

Family members include three sons, Lindsey N. Ripley III and his wife, Kathryn of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Stephen E. Ripley of Amherst, NH and Bryan R. Ripley of Steep Falls, ME; four grandchildren, Lisa Bourbeau, Joshua Ripley, Kelly Ripley and Jacob Ripley; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Megan Bourbeau; a brother, Ronald Gorman of Franklin, MA.

Calling hours are on Monday, October 4th from 2-4 & 6-8 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Amherst. Donations in her memory may be made to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, 386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.