Fort Kent—Priscilla (Purington) Daigle, wife of Laurel Daigle and mother to Angela and Nathaniel Daigle, passed away after a lingering illness.  Born in Auburn Maine, Priscilla was raised by her mother Mabel Lewis Charles, father Preston Purington and stepfather Wright Charles.  The eldest of six children, she had fond childhood memories of her grandparents' farm in West Bowdoin, her grandmother's homemade molasses donuts, skating on frozen fall ponds and trips to Popham Beach, digging for clams and splashing in tidal pools.  After attending elementary school in China Maine, Priscilla lived with her Aunt Ruth and Uncle March Hall while attending Towson High School in Maryland.  She was a graduate of Farmington State Teachers College and earned a graduate degree in Art Education from Rhode Island School of Design.  After marrying and moving to Fort Kent, Priscilla taught at local schools, ending her career as Director of Student Teaching at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.  A talented artist who was adored by her students, she was a joyous person who extended her knowledge and humor to everyone.  Upon hearing of her passing, a former student remarked that Mrs. Daigle was "a beautiful, wonderful, exuberant, creative, and amazing person.  She was a great soul, my art mentor, my colleague, and friend."

A friend to all, Priscilla's presence lit up a room, both figuratively and literally.  She loved deeply, enjoyed good conversation and laughter, and gave her opinion and wise advice freely.  She had an indomitable spirit and zest for life, supporting her loved ones during their struggles and lifting us up with her big smile and generous heart.  An avid animal lover, she co-founded the local animal shelter to rescue cats, including her beloved Ginger Boy. Priscilla had many interests, including creating art, decorating for the holidays, reading novels, watching movies, hosting gatherings, and traveling.  As a family, we have fond memories of canoeing the Allagash River, camping in Prince Edward Island, riding Space Mountain at Disney World, walking the Great Wall of China, drinking mango daiquiris in Puerto Rico, and viewing the Canadian Rockies by train.  But at the end of the day, she loved nothing better than driving the curves of Route 11 on her way back to the home she built with her husband Laurel.  We will always remember her enjoying her morning coffee while gazing at the fantastic views of the St. John Valley, which she boasted has the most beautiful sunsets in the State of Maine!

Those who wish to honor her memory are asked to make a donation to PAWS Animal Welfare Society in Fort Kent, Maine or to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.  A graveside service will be held at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24 ^th at St. Louis cemetery in Fort Kent, Maine.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home.