Esther (Crucius) Ryan Gale

December 3, 1912 - April 10, 2020

Esther (Crucius) Ryan Gale, 107, passed Friday, April 10, 2020, at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home. Known affectionately as the “8th wonder of the world”, she was an expert seamstress, weaver, baker, and artist. The widow of James Ryan, she was a humble, yet incredibly strong woman, who resided in Methuen and Lawrence throughout her years. Upon retirement from Western Electric, she moved to Florida, where she met and married George Gale of Methuen. She is survived by her daughter, Pat Ryan, wife of Jay Fallon, of Reno, NV. She loved visiting the Lake Tahoe area with her sister Anna, which is where she discovered pine-needle basket weaving, and once again became an expert in yet another art. She and Anna also loved the nickel slot machines! Born in Lawrence on December 3, 1912, to Anna and Otto Crucius, she was pre-deceased by brothers Henry and Herbert, and sisters Gertrude Gladue and Anna Page. She leaves behind nieces, nephews and their families. Thank you to the staff at MI who grew accustomed to her “I’ll do it myself” attitude. To Nancy Godbout for the many years of including Mum in everyday errands, holidays, doctor visits and eating out. And to Ruth George for being her companion, friend, confidante and lotto-scratcher cohort since she turned 100! Services will be private. Happy Easter, Esther! I love you Mum. Memorial Contributions may be made in Esther's name to the Mary Immaculate Restorative Nursing Center, 172 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA 01841.