WESTBROOK – Inge Braun Espey, 78, of Westbrook, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on May 16, 2024, at Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Bur, Denmark on March 19, 1946, the daughter of Ludvig and Marie (Kjaer) Braun. She grew up on a farm in Denmark until her uncle, Wilhelm Braun and his wife Pearl invited her to America at the age of 15. Inge worked at her uncle’s bakery and ice cream shop while attending Portland High School, mastering the English language, and graduating in 1965.

She married Clay Espey, Jr. in 1966 and they raised their four daughters, known as “Girls-4.” Once Kristin, Alicia, Katrina and Heidi started school, she began her lifelong career in the Food Service Department in Westbrook Schools, retiring after 39 years. Inge ran a tight ship at work and at home.

Inge was always connecting with students. She was famous for saving their favorite sandwich or cookie behind the counter before it sold out.

Inge was known for her love of luxury cars. Her favorite was the dark green convertible corvette. Everyone saw her coming down the road with her blonde hair flowing in the wind and her namesake vanity plate “INGE.” She loved the water and enjoyed sunning herself on the boat on Sebago Lake.

Family or holiday dinners were always full of laughter with many reasons to raise your glass to “Sköl” or even a shot of Akvavit, followed by a competitive game of Aggravation while snacking on leftover apple pie or grabbing a handful of M&Ms, always available on the bar.

She tended to her gardens and socialized with her neighbors, often inviting everyone to hang out by the pool. She was always smiling and ready to share the latest news of her girls and grandchildren.

An extremely devoted grandmother, there was no shortage of calls to her grandchildren to stay updated on grades, sports, and their social lives. Inge also loved her in-laws just as much as her children. She was referred to as “Mother-in-Love.”

She was predeceased by her parents, Ludvig and Marie; her adopted parents Wilhelm and Pearl; her husband of 51 years, Clay Espey, Jr.; twin brother, Hans Braun, brother, Karl Gustav Braun, sister-in-law, Sheila Sypek, brother-in-law, Donald DeRice, Sr., and sister-in-law, Claire Learned.

She is survived by Girls-4, Kristin Espey-Faust (Carolyn) of Westbrook, Alicia Phillips (Stuart) of Atoka, Tenn., Katrina Espey Crutchfield (Aaron) of Wexford, Pa., Heidi Espey of Westbrook; six grandchildren, Andrea Mann (Jayford), Jacob Phillips, Dylan Crutchfield, Jordan Crutchfield, Peyton Garrigan and Harrison Espey-Faust; great-grandson, Jamisen Phillips; brother, Jens Christian Braun (Valborg) of Holstebro, Denmark, sister, Judith Hartmann (Carsten) of Odense, Denmark, sister, Karen Braun of Skjern, Denmark, sister-in-law, Janit DeRice of Scarborough, brother-in-law, Ronald Learned of Tacoma, Wash., Philip Sypek of Portland; and many nieces and nephews in America and Denmark; and her Peekapoo dog, Lila.

Inge’s family would like to thank the Maine Medical Center staff for the special care and compassion provided over the last two months.

Honoring Inge’s wishes, there will be no services. Those wishing to send a tribute in Inge’s memory may do so at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford St., Portland.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate in her memory, please consider:

Westbrook Animal Hospital,

189 Pride St,

Westbrook, ME 04092 or

Westbrook Food Pantry,

42 Bridge St.,

Westbrook, ME 04092

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