CAPE ELIZABETH — Elva M. Ingalls, 92, died Jan. 8 after a short illness with family at her side at Maine Medical Center.
She was born in Cape Elizabeth Sept. 21, 1916, the daughter of Emma (Peabbles) and Alonzo Soule Murray, one of 11 children.
She graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1934 and graduated Gorham Normal School with a degree.
She taught at Black Point School and Dunstan School and later worked at Casco Bank.
She was an early civil defense volunteer. A self-appointed honorary keeper of Portland Head Light, she twice reported the light was out.
She was a member of the Ladies Union in Cape Elizabeth.
She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, crafting, garage sales, and her Siamese cat, Sheba. She was an avid collector of many things and was “green” before it was vogue. She also enjoyed travelling during the winter months to warm climates.
She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Harmon, William Murray, Leland P. Murray, Richard Murray, Bryce Murray, Eleanor Harper, Douglas Murray, Elaine McLellan and Gordon Murray.
She is survived by her brother, Arnold Murray of Cape Elizabeth; two daughters, Mertice “Bunny” Moore and her husband Richard of Unity and Mary L. Ingalls of Tybee Island, Ga.; one son, Earl “Skip” Ingalls Jr. and his partner Carmita McCoy of Cape Elizabeth; grandchildren, Wendy Gott, Christopher Crouse and his wife Marlene, Laura and Emma Ingalls; great-grandchildren, Graylin, Myla, Kira and Brie-Anna Gott, Zane and Audrey Crouse, and Benjamin Ingalls; special nieces, Nancy (Murray) Johnson and Beth (Murray) Libby.
Memorial services were held earlier this week.
Arrangements are by Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland.
Memorial donations may be made to The Portland Headlight Museum Director, c/o Jeanne Gross, 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 or the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department, 2 Jordan Way, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107.