BRIDGTON — Elaine Theresa Minigell, 72, of Brownfield, died Monday, June 21, at Bridgton Hospital of complications from leukemia.

She was born Aug. 8, 1937, in Salem, Mass., the youngest daughter of Vincent and Dorothy Lebro Minigell. She graduated from Lynn English High School in 1955. Her caring and generous nature led her to pursue a career in nursing, graduating from Salem Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. Her nursing career began at Salem Hospital and Lynn Union Hospital in 1974.

She moved to Bridgton working as a registered nurse at Bridgton Hospital for 27 years. She was well-respected among her colleagues, fostering life long friendships with everyone who knew her. Although she never married, she was instumental in the upbringing of her brothers and sisters children helping them on their journey in life with her boundless generosity, loving nature and wonderful sense of humor.

In 1955, she took a big step, purchasing her very first home in Brownfield, single-handedly renovating it into a restful and charming home to share with friends, family and her beloved cat, Freddie.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Patricia Keelan-Carr of Fryeburg; sister-in-law, Mary Minigell of Auburn; 10 nieces and nephews and their spouses, Elaine and Jack Paez, Joseph Keelan and partner, Raymond Gagnon, John Keelan, Michaele and Charles Bailey, Patricia and Gary Treworgy, Vincent and Catherine Minigell, Francis and Dawn Minigell, Laurie and Arliele Minigell, Jayne Minigell and Michael and Michelle Minigell; 17 grandnieces and nephews; and several great-grandnieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Vincent in 2003, and Dorothy in 2006; and a brother, Anthony V. Minigell in 1999.

The family wished to thank the staff of Bridgton Hospital for the excellent care and support they gave Elaine and her family during her stay there.