Nancy Ezhaya

WINDHAM - Nancy (Lebel) Ezhaya, 72, passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2023. She was born on November 12, 1950, in Auburn, Maine, to the late Oscar Lebel and Isabel (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 his full statement below: "Nancy Ezhaya was an English Teacher at Bonny Eagle High School from 1973 until her retirement in 2011. She was highly regarded by colleagues and was very passionate about her job. Nancy cared deeply for her students and colleagues and was a true friend. Nancy was committed to the success of all of her students. She was integral to bringing the concept of teaming to Bonny Eagle High School, a scheduling process by which groups of teacher teams work together with groups of students to build connections and foster student success. Though she taught many levels over the years, she loved working with freshman students, easing their transition into high school. Nancy was also a generous colleague, willing to share her time and expertise. As a veteran teacher, she helped many teachers new to the profession successfully navigate their first years of teaching. She never lost a pencil because she had her name written on all of them. Nancy was a preeminent story teller and had a great sense of humor. So much so that you could hear the same story many times yet it always made you laugh as though it was the first time you had heard it. Nancy Ezhaya was a true teacher. She devoted her life to her vocation of being an educator. She was a champion of students as well as a leader of teachers. Her infectious laugh and quick wit were her hallmarks, in and out of the classroom. On behalf of the Bonny Eagle Community I want to express condolences to the Ezhaya family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those involved in the tragic accident that took place on Monday, May 29th." 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 1:00 pm at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, 40 Windham Center Rd., Windham, ME. In lieu of flowers the family asks to please donate to St Jude's Children's Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now