WINDHAM – Nancy (Lebel) Ezhaya, 72, passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2023. She was born on Nov. 12, 1950, in Auburn, Maine, to the late Oscar Lebel and Isabelle (Cote) Lebel. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Karyn Lebel, her husband, David Ezhaya, and aunt, Jean Cote.

Nancy graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, in 1969. She went on to pursue a degree in Education from the Gorham State Teachers College (USM), graduating in 1973. Nancy married her love, David C. Ezhaya, on June 4, 1976. They met during the summer of 1974 while working for Upward Bound. David was also a beloved teacher of History at Bonny Eagle High School. Together, they adopted their daughter Monica. Nancy loved golf, family gatherings, books, politics, and dining.

Nancy began her 38-year teaching career as an English teacher at Bonny Eagle High School. She loved every aspect of the job, and, as Superintendent Clay Gleason so eloquently put it, “she was a true teacher. She devoted her life to her vocation of being an educator.” Please see the full statement on the Dolby, Blais, Segee website http://www.dolbyblaissegee.com/obituaries/Nancy-Ezhaya/#!/Obituary

Outside of her career, she had a wide variety of friends, many of whom were lifelong companions. Maintaining these relationships was paramount for Nancy. If she wasn’t with her friends in person, you would find her talking to them on the phone for what would be excruciatingly long hours for most. Nancy also loved correspondence. Her desk was a card shop. Known for her impeccable penmanship, she always had the perfect words to use to recognize all events in one’s life – no matter how large or small. She was particularly famous for her annual Valentine’s cards, which she personalized and sent out en masse, received even by those who played only a small role in her busy life.

It didn’t matter if it was for an hour or an entire day, spending time with Nancy was always amusing. She was a gifted conversationalist, known for her storytelling and embellishments. Further, she was also steadfast in her beliefs. We have all experienced Nancy’s trademark eye-roll when she was met with an opinion that she disapproved of.

Nancy took a sincere interest in and was a champion for all of the kids in her life. She shared a special bond with her eldest grandchild, Pearl Flynn, who participates in a variety of musical and theater activities. Nancy attended all of these events without fail. They had sleepovers and spent ample quality time together. The two were inseparable. Nancy’s sister always said, “it’s like Pearl was put on this Earth for Nancy.”

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Monica Ezhaya (Shannon Rice), sister and caregiver, Patty Lebel (Bill Rogers), grandchildren, Pearl Flynn and Priya Rice, nephews, Nick Nisbet and Luke Rogers, aunt, Joan Lepage (Charlie Lepage), brother-in-law, Sandy Nisbet, sister-in-law, Elaine Nollet, and many beloved cousins.

A service will be held on June 19 at 1 p.m., at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 40 Windham Center Road, Windham.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to St Jude’s Childrens Hospital. http://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now