Nahant, MA, and Bar Harbor, Maine - Edith Elizabeth (Ingalls) Richardson, 85, of Nahant, MA, and Bar Harbor, ME, passed away on July 13, 2026, having battled Parkinson's disease. She was born on May 10, 1941, in Calais, ME, to Curtis J. Ingalls and Lucy Kenison Ingalls of Lubec.

Edie grew up in Leominster, MA, graduating from Leominster High in 1959. She went on to attend Farmington State Teachers College, achieving a degree in home economics in 1963. After teaching a few years at Ayer and Saugus High School, and Somerville Junior High, she continued her studies at Simmons College, adding a Master of Science Degree to her resumé in 1967.

While working a summer job at the Frenchman Bay Boating Company in 1963, selling tickets and managing the dairy bar, she was introduced to Paul, who captained the sightseeing boats. They were married on October 10, 1964, and have spent the last 61 years side by side.

Edie devoted decades to serving her community through committee membership, fundraising, and charitable efforts, generously giving her time and energy to organizations that supported students, families, and those less fortunate. She was a strong proponent of public education, involving herself in efforts aimed at bettering educational opportunities. She successfully advocated for, created, and ran an after-school enrichment program at the Nahant Elementary School and spent years chairing the scholarship committee of the Nahant Woman's Club. She believed deeply in helping others and quietly made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people.

When most she knew were considering retirement, Edie began a summer job at the Jordan Pond House in Acadia helping visitors find their way, but what she truly loved was being part of the Acadia Corporation community. She baked favorite treats for those away from families, remembered birthdays, gathered folks together for big dinners, and made many great memories with new friends from throughout the country. She found a true sense of place at that lovely spot on the pond.

True to her roots in home economics, Edie was a fabulous cook! Mention her name and the topic of food will be forefront in the conversation. She and Paul loved to have friends and family gathered round the table for a meal. Whether it was a most formal holiday affair or a picnic at her favorite spot, Seawall, it was always divine and revered by their guests. And Oh, the stories that have been told!

Edie is survived by her husband, Paul Walter Richardson; her daughter, Sarah Stanley and her husband, Todd, of Bar Harbor; twin daughters, Susan Richardson of Bar Harbor, and Lucy Lambert, and her husband, James, of North Waterboro; and her three beloved granddaughters, Grace Lambert, and Charlotte and Lilah Stanley. She was predeceased by her dearest friend in life, Susan Peper.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Bar Harbor Congregational Church, 29 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nahant Woman's Club of the North Shore's Scholastic Scholarship Fund, c/o Pauline Anderson, 20 High Street Ext., Nahant, MA 01908, or the Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter thearkpets.org. Condolences may be expressed at jordanfernald.com.