PORTLAND — Ethel L. Kilbride, 96, of Capisic Street, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Maine Medical Center with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Webster at the Davis family farm on July 18, 1915, the daughter of Lee W. Sr. and Agnes Judge Davis. She attended local schools, graduating from Lewiston High School.

Ethel had fond memories of her life on the farm which she continued to share with family and friends throughout her life. She went on to further her education at Boston University and Boston College receiving her registered nurse’s degree from Boston City Hospital and Captain John Adams Hospital in Chelsea, Mass.

Ethel married Edward H. Kilbride of Portland. Together they were longtime communicants of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Portland, where she was active with the bazaar, church craft groups and the soup kitchen.

Ethel was a dedicated and compassionate nurse who took great pleasure in caring for others. Her career started as a Nurse Officer first lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service, military division, for five years during World War II.

She worked as a registered nurse at various hospitals including Maine Medical Center, City Hospital (now the Barron Center) and the Marine Hospital. She worked 10 years as an industrial nurse at the Gulf Western Rockwood Co. in South Portland and a civil service employee with the U.S. Public Health Service for 20 years retiring in 1980.

She was a member of the American Legion, Harold Andrews Post of Portland, a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and a longtime member of the Maine State Nurses Association.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Kilbride of Portland; along with many nieces and nephews.

Ethel was predeceased by her loving husband on March 5, 1968; three sisters, Elizabeth Davis, Emma Harris and Mildred Finn; and three brothers, Lee Jr., Benjamin and Melville Davis.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.