Elizabeth Ann Auger

WINDHAM—Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Auger, 59, of Windham, died April 3, 2017 at her home. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 15, 1957, the oldest child of the late John and Harriett (Fennell) Auger. Beth grew up in Stratford, CT, graduating from The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall High School in 1975. She continued her education at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut, where she graduated in 1979 with a BS in Biology and Chemistry. She then obtained a Master of Science Degree, majoring in Biology, from Ball State University in 1981. Beth furthered her academic career at Rice University, ultimately receiving her PhD in Biochemistry in 1988. Beth’s intelligence and intellectual curiosity led her to a life in academia. Her scholarly interests centered on how bacteria respond to environmental stress, the responses which allowed bacteria to survive under adverse conditions and, in some cases, allowed bacteria to cause disease. She pursued this research at Stanford University. Dr. Auger also taught and continued her research at the University of Minnesota in Rochester, Minnesota, and ultimately moved to Maine where she was an Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry at St. Joseph’s College for over 20 years. Although Beth’s passion was her education and research pursuits, her second love was her relationship with her students. Beth exhibited her unique brand of humor, kindness and mentoring with her students. She was also a loving pet owner, caring for rescue guinea pigs, and a passionate volunteer for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Beth also had several hobbies with which she filled her spare time, including reading, basket weaving, knitting, needlework and collecting owl trinkets. She also enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, especially at the beach. Beth is survived by her maternal aunt, Sr. Marylouise Fennell, Sisters of Mercy Northeast, of West Palm Beach, FL; siblings, Mary Louise Auger of Stratford, CT, John Auger and his wife Judy of Middlesex, NJ, Joseph Auger and his wife Dianne of Stratford, CT and Maureen Auger of Old Saybrook, CT. Beth's sister, Kathleen Auger of Pittsburgh, PA, also suddenly passed away on April 10, 2017, survived by her daughter, Siobhan Auger-Deal, Beth’s niece. Beth is also survived by nieces and nephews Joseph Auger, Brian Auger, Caroline Auger, Zachary Auger and his family, and Quincy Auger. She is also survived by an aunt and several cousins and was predeceased by an aunt, several uncles and a cousin. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 24th at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, Alfond Center, 278 Whites Bridge Rd., Standish, ME 04084. A Connecticut memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Beth’s name may be made to: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, 278 Whites Bridge Rd., Standish, ME, 04084. Arrangements are in the care of Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham, ME, 04062.

Elizabeth Ann Auger

November 15, 1957 - April 3, 2017

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