PORTLAND – Jena Ullman Richard, 39, of 50 Maine Ave., Portland, died at Maine Medical Center on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. She was surrounded by her loved ones and passed away after a heroic battle with type one diabetes.
Jena was born in Englewood, N.J., the only child of Deborah and Clifford Ullman. The family moved to Portland when Jena was 4. She attended area schools, graduating from Deering High School. She received an associate degree in nutrition from SMTC.
Jena had a lifelong interest in all things food. She loved to travel and had an innate curiosity and openness to learning new things. Jena had a genuine interest in others.
On Sept. 5, 2010, she married the love of her life, Timothy Richard.
She is survived by her husband, her parents, and a large circle of loving family and friends.
With gratitude and love, we thank her doctors, her SCU2 nurses, and especially the R5 staff for their valiant and loving efforts on Jena’s behalf.
A funeral will be held at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., in Portland, on Thursday, Nov., 16 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Beth El Memorial Park. Following her burial, all are welcome to celebrate Jena’s life at 518 Brighton Ave., Portland. We will sit shiva at 518 Brighton Ave. on Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m., and on Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors are also welcome Friday from 5-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Arrangements are by The Portland Jewish Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jena’s name to the American Diabetes Association.