Lisa Ann Walton, daughter of Clement and Katharine (Lovejoy) Walton of Edgecomb, died unexpectedly at the age of 50 on Nov. 3, 2014.

She is survived by her mother Katharine; sister, Katharine (Walton) Rose of Wiscasset; brother and sister-in-law, James Walton and Jennifer Yates of Columbus, Ohio; niece, Holly Walton of Columbus, Ohio; and nephew, Andrew Walton of Wiscasset.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clement James Walton.

Lisa was born Jan. 25, 1964 in Sanford, and she grew up in Edgecomb. She graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1982 and then received a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Bowdoin College in 1986. She earned a master's degree in computer science and engineering from the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology (now part of University of Oregon Health and Sciences University).

At the time of her passing, she was set to defend her dissertation, in early 2015, toward her Doctor of Philosophy in Spatial Information Science and Engineering at the University of Maine.

At UMaine, she was named the Chase Distinguished Research Assistant in 2011-2012, and also served as the project manager for the SenseME project, a collaboration between UMaine and the Maine National Guard. Her doctoral research generated seven publications in preeminent scientific journals.

Prior to pursuing her interests in computer science and spatial engineering, she worked for many years as an enrolled actuary for CIGNA in Hartford, Connecticut and for Towers Perrin in Boston, Massachusetts. She returned to Maine where, prior to pursuing her doctorate full time, she was visiting or adjunct faculty in Computer Science and Mathematics at Colby College, Thomas College, and Central Maine Community College.

She was a long-time volunteer with the Tri-County Literacy organization, where she tutored adult learners one-on-one in basic literacy, math and science to help them to earn their GEDs.

Lisa was fiercely independent and relished in cogent discussions of politics and science, about which she was strongly opinionated. She provoked stimulating, yet collegial conversations where her logic and passion for the subject at hand shined through.

With a flair for cooking Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine, she was just at home in the kitchen as she was at a computer. She was an avid reader of multiple genres, but particularly enjoyed science fiction and fantasy.

In her spare time, Lisa also loved to build, repair and upgrade personal computers; then test the programming strength of role-playing games. She also gave selflessly to others while asking for nothing in return. She was always pleasant and welcoming, open for a chat and a good cup of coffee or a political debate, yet one of the best listeners with some of the simplest solutions to life’s most evasive problems and challenges.

Her tenacious and inquisitive spirit will live on within all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Lisa was a dear friend, sister, aunt and daughter, and will be greatly missed.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Tri-County Literacy, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530 (http://s400239309.onlinehome.us); or to another charity of importance to you.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.stronghancock.com.