SUMNER — Iva Jeanne Engler, 63, died at her home in Sumner on July 19, following a lengthy battle against cancer. Iva’s firm belief in God supported her in this struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Iva was born Dec. 18, 1953, in Willimantic, Conn., the youngest of four children to the late Elizabeth and Ivan Engler. Iva moved to Maine with her family before starting kindergarten, her elementary school years spent in Benton and Fairfield. In 1973, she graduated from Glen Cove Christian Academy in Rockland, then from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 1977, with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She taught and coached one year at GCCA, four years at Gold Coast Christian in Florida, then taught five years of physical education at Barrington Christian and Fall River, Mass., schools. Her last 22 years of teaching math and coaching were at Grace Christian School, Bowie, Md., retiring from there in June 2016 to move home to Maine, after learning from her oncologist she had a short time to live. Iva spent many summers at Camp Fair Haven in Brooks, Maine, first as a camper at age 13, then on to junior counselor, senior counselor, waterfront safety instructor and waterfront director, among other positions at a location dear to her heart. Among joys of her life, Iva was grateful for opportunities to visit missionary friends in Taiwan, Mexico and Africa, as well as summer and vacation travels to visit family and friends. She was passionate about starting sports programs for girls as well as co-ed teams; volleyball, basketball and softball were among the sports she enjoyed sharing with her students. She also greatly enjoyed her Maryland fly-fishing women’s group and her own wonderful woodworking projects.

Iva is survived by sister, Joyce McGray; and brothers, Stuart Engler and Bruce Engler; along with stepsisters, Linda Schoenborn and Susan Rancourt; stepbrothers, Gary Rancourt and Peter Rancourt; all of their spouses; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Iva’s family expresses sincere appreciation to her longtime friends, Jeanne Abbott and Nelda O’Brien, for their loving caregiving during these past few months, along with special support from another longtime friend, Elaine Conant, and also to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice nurses, Tammy and Dave.

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