AUBURN — Fay E. Ingersoll, 79, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11, at the Androscoggin Hospice House with her family at her side.

She was born in Manokin, Md., Dec. 7, 1933, the daughter of James and Ora Swift. Fay grew up in Maryland, and attended Marion High School, where she was an accomplished student.

Fay received her nursing degree at the Delaware School of Nursing and went on to receive a bachelor’s and master’s of science degree in education from the University of Maine at Orono. Fay excelled academically and graduated with distinction as a member of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. She remained a loyal alumnus until her death.

She married Norris E. Ingersoll of Lisbon Falls in Rehoboth, Md., Jan. 21, 1956, and later moved with him to Maine.

Fay began her nursing career at The United States Health Service in Baltimore, Md., before accepting a position as a nursing instructor of the Central Maine General Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1957.

She became the assistant director of the school in 1973, and was named director in 1976, and retained this position until her retirement in 1999. During her tenure as director, Central Maine Medical Center’s School of Nursing won national recognition becoming the first school to become a candidate for accreditation and affiliate of the New England Association, recognizing its’ development toward achieving accreditation.

Advertisement

And, on June 1977, the school graduated its’ first class to receive associate in applied science degrees in nursing. Fay was proud of the fact that students graduating from the school, consistently scored above both state and national averages in state licensing examinations.

Fay was actively involved in many organizations. They included, CMMC Corporator, Maine State Board of Education, Committee on Nurse Associate Programs, Gard W. Twaddle Endowment Fund, American CancerSociety Board of Directors, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Women’s Hospital Association, University of Maine Alumni Association, Nurses’ Alumni Association, Maine Committee on Aging Ombudsman Program, National League of Nursing, Maine State Board of Nursing, National Association of College Auxiliary Services, Lisbon School Board Committee, American Nurses’ Association, Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi, CMMC School of Nursing Board of Trustees, Advisory Council University of New England and the Women’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County.

Fay enjoyed dancing, country/western music, traveling and her flowers. She was an avid walker and was often seen walking with her dog Lillo. What she treasured most was the love and laughter of being with family.

Fay believed strongly in the importance of hard work and the profound benefits of a good education. She counseled numerous nursing students on continuing their education.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Norris Ingersoll; her daughter, Debora A. Ingersoll of Aviano, Italy; and many dear friends.

The Ingersoll family expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the many skilled and compassionate caregivers who provided wonderful support over the years.

 A celebration of Fay’s life will be held at The Holy Trinity Church in Lisbon Falls, at 10 a.m., May 17, followed by committal services at Hillside Cemetery.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Ingersoll family by visiting their guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.


Share your condolences, kind words and remembrances below. You must be logged into the website to comment. Subscribers, please login. Not a subscriber? Register to comment for free or subscribe to support our work.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.