ELLSWORTH – Bernice May (Hardwick) Ingersoll, 73, died Aug. 23, 2009, with her son and daughter-in-law at her side, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. She was born Feb. 19, 1936, the daughter of Burton Hardwick and Lula (Merritt) Hicks. With her first husband, Robert Asa Patten Jr., they adopted a son, James Robert Patten in 1965. After her divorce from Robert, she and Jimmy moved to South Addison, where she lived most of her life. Bernice made many lifelong friends in Addison, including her best friend, Ann Merchant. Bernice and Ann spent many years laughing, crying and supporting each other through life’s challenges and celebrating in the joys. They spent many hours going to Beano, stopping at every yard sale they could find and helping with numerous activities with the Ladies Auxiliary in Addison. Bernice and Ann were both members of the auxiliary for 43 years and were honorary lifetime members. She was also a Maine Mason Widower member of the Tuscon Lodge. In 1985, Bernice married Julian Joy Ingersoll of Addison. They spent their days riding many miles, enjoying the scenery and wildlife. Her favorite Saturday excursion was to go to the recycle shop in Cherryfield, then drive to Franklin to visit Jimmy and his family. In 2000, Bernice moved to Franklin to be near her son. When she could no longer live alone, she moved in with Jimmy and his family in 2006. She remained with them until she moved to Collier’s Rehab and Nursing Center, Ellsworth, in 2008. Bernice had a very big heart and was kind to everyone. She had a particular love of animals, owning a variety throughout the years, including several cats and dogs, a baby deer, raccoons, a crow, goats, sheep and a horse. Her last beloved pet – her dog, Jake, lived with her until 2006. She is survived by her son, Jimmy and daughter-in-law, Lisa (Swett) Patten; granddaughters, Jalisa Bernice Patten and Brenda “Brena” Jali Patten, all of Franklin; her brother, Clarence Hardwick and partner, Lois Wagenknecht, of Ellsworth; sister, Mildred Hunt of Ellsworth; several nieces and nephews; and her dearest friend, Ann Merchant and husband, Richard Merchant, of Addison. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband. A memorial service will be held in her honor 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Addison Town Hall. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Addison.
BERNICE MAY (HARDWICK) INGERSOLL
