Elsebeth Tripler Obituary

We lost our very special mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife and friend on October 14, 2024. Elsebeth, age 98, passed away at The Landing at Cape Elizabeth. 

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, the daughter of Kjeld and Mary Rasmussen, she led a long and happy life, living through the German occupation of WWII and later residing in the United States. She graduated from high school and studied law at the University of Copenhagen, where she worked as university student affairs director. It was there she met her soulmate and future husband of 65 years, Robert “Trip” Tripler, who was part of an American work/study group touring Scandinavia. After getting married, they moved to the US, where Elsebeth worked at George Jensen’s 5th Ave store in NYC, then earned a Masters Degree in Education at Hofstra University and taught middle school. She enjoyed raising her family on Long Island, NY, and spent many delightful summers with them working at Kamp Kohut, in Oxford, Maine.  

Elsebeth and Trip retired to Maine, where she remained passionate about her family, socializing with friends, and helping others who were less fortunate.  She loved the ocean, gardening, painting, traveling, and all things Danish. 

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Tripler (Daniel Rapaport), son Scott Tripler (Patricia Somerville); grandchildren Julie Rapaport (Greg Levine), Carly Vargas (Alex Vargas), Keith, Abby, Genny Tripler; and great-grandchildren Lottie and Otis (Rapaport Levine), Jack, Noah, and Simon (Vargas).

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at The First Congregational Church in South Portland on December 22nd at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to community service organizations or the charity of your choice to spread good will, and make the world a friendlier, kinder place.