1932 – 2015

LEWISTON — Proud owner of Keiko’s Family Hair Care and longtime Lewiston-Auburn barber stylist Keiko Endo Ingerson died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 29, surrounded by family after a brave battle with cancer. Keiko died as she lived her life — with grace and dignity.

Keiko was born in Tokyo, Japan, on May 29, 1932.

At 24, she met and married Norman Ingerson and moved to the United States. After being in the States for some time, she decided to become an American citizen.

Keiko worked as a barber since the age of 15. Her first job in the United States was on the Topsham Air Force Base. She later worked at Roger’s Haircutters, and in 1984, she opened her own shop.

Keiko’s customers were an extension of her family and she cherished each and every one of them. Keiko retired at the age of 82 when cancer prevented her from performing the job she loved. Keiko’s one regret was that she was unable to attend her retirement party and individually say “goodbye and thank you” to all of her customers.

While a resident in Lewiston, Keiko gave back to her community. She was a longtime volunteer for the Advocacy for Children’s annual event and occasionally styled hair for Community Little Theatre. She took countless people into her home when they were far from their families. Many Japanese people that settled in Maine eventually found their way into Keiko’s home. She was a host family for Japanese high school exchange students.

She loved animals, especially her own, and enjoyed weeding and taking care of her flower and vegetable gardens as well as visiting friends. She also enjoyed going to the ocean. In between customers, you could catch her doing Sudoku puzzles.

Keiko is survived by her three children, Miko Caron of Sumrall, Miss., Mako and son-in-law, Gary O’Connell, and Earle Edward Ingerson II and daughter-in-law, Nancy Thibault Ingerson; her niece, Sonomi Ranucci and her husband, Paul, and their two children, Takashi and Ayumi; five grandchildren, Steven, Jacob, and Chris Caron and Patrick and Tamiko O’Connell; and eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Michiko Kajahara of Japan, along with nieces and nephews, also in Japan. She had surrogate children, David Caron and John Jenkins. She also leaves behind her four-legged son, Scoota, and his pals, Ski and Skallah.

Keiko is predeceased by her husband, Norman; and grandson, Josh Caron.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and medical staff at Central Maine Medical Center, especially Dr. David Caldwell and Dr. Michael Brown. We appreciate all the care and support from Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice employees, with special thanks to Kathleen and Michelle for being so kind, caring and supportive. We would also like to thank the Dempsey Center — Keiko did enjoy her massages and your support. All of you have help make this journey for Keiko and her family bearable.

In the words of Keiko, “Hai, hai, hai, sayonara!”

Online condolences and photo gallery at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

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