Faith Cushing Ryder died May 11 at her home in Lancaster, N.H. She was 89.

She was born in Middleborough to George Ward and Doris Kinsman Stetson. Raised on a raspberry farm with her brother George, Faith had an idyllic childhood, spending many happy days not only at their farm, but at her beloved Nana and Pa Kinsman’s dairy farm as well. She was well loved by her family and community alike, spreading kindness, her clever wit and infectious smile everywhere she went.

Faith’s father spent many years in Boston, serving as a state representative in the city’s historic Beacon Hill. Though starting college at Endicott in Beverly Farms, her connection to Boston continued as she ventured to Gordon College, which at the time was in Fenway. At Gordon, she not only earned a degree but also found the love of her life. Harry Ryder swept her off her feet and from that point forward, she never left his side. He was a partner and co-pilot for a life so filled with adventure a Hollywood producer might say it’s not believable.

Beyond the stories though, what always mattered the most, until the very end, was family. Incredibly nurturing and patient, Faith was born for motherhood. Her selflessness and strong, steady presence provided the foundation for a life that revolved around family — traits that persisted long past her days as a newfound mother.

When Harry and Faith moved to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the driving force was to provide a space for the family to congregate, and their goal was achieved. The large farmhouse they moved into was reminiscent of home for Faith, and their contentment there compelled their extended family to migrate north as they did. While she loved her time as a teacher in both Middleborough and on Martha’s Vineyard, that paled in comparison to the opportunity to become an active and vital part of her grandchildren’s lives. Faith used her training in childhood education as she co-taught the grandkids in their elementary years, but more than that, she was a role model and friend, always the best of sports, dedicated entirely to ensuring her grandchildren were safe and happy.

Fittingly, Faith’s faith was the north star of her entire journey and was something she relied on until her time on earth came to an end. After Harry died, Faith exhibited the strength and independence that she had all along but rarely needed. The void that was never filled but Faith’s warmth, dry sense of humor and generosity endured.

She is survived by her daughter Beth, son Scott, in laws Mark and Debbie and grandchildren Heath, Eli, Aly and Lindsey. She will be forever missed.

A celebration of her life will be private.