Priscilla King Bergier, 82, of Windham died peacefully April 1 at Gosnell Hospice in Scarborough after a brief illness.

She was born in Hartford, Conn., to the late Lawrence and Florence King on November 5, 1930. After graduating Windham High School in Willimantic, Conn., Priscilla received her nursing degree from Bates College in Lewiston in 1953. She worked at several hospitals in Massachusetts and Maine during the following 25 years, including Miles Memorial and St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor.

In her early years, Priscilla achieved Matron status with the Eastern Star and sailed the Maine coast extensively. She was a pioneer in introducing hypnotherapy and holistic medicine into mainstream healthcare. She was an active advocate for equal rights at the grassroots level, an active member of Soka Gakkai International, and the North Windham Union Church, where she helped to establish open and affirming guidelines for the church.

Priscilla was a spiritual person who adored her time with family and friends.  She was known for her great wit and dry humor. She loved to cook, enjoyed reading and music, took long trips throughout the United States and was a naturalist at heart.

Priscilla is survived by husband Thomas Bergier of Windham; son, Thomas Woodin of Boothbay Harbor; son, Andrew Woodin and his partner Stan Fortuna of Windham; grandson, Benjamin Woodin of Topsham; stepson, Christopher Bergier of Worcester, Mass.; stepdaughter, Tanja Bergier of Baltimore; and six step-grandchildren, Breanna Hunter, Celina Thomas, Anthony Thomas, Jr., Valenia Bergier, Yarianna Bergier and Liam Bergier.

A celebration of her life will be held April 20 at 11 a.m. at North Windham Union Church. Donations may be made in Priscilla’s name to the North Windham Union Church in lieu of flowers.