Ingrid Maria Eriksen-Wilson

Ingrid Maria Eriksen-Wilson, of Montpelier, Vermont, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Northfield, Vermont, on March 26, 2026. She was born in New York City on June 1, 1943.

Ingrid grew up in Stratford, Connecticut, where she was a member of the first graduating class of Bunnell High School in 1961. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Southern Connecticut State College in 1965, beginning a lifelong commitment to learning and care for others.

Ingrid taught elementary school in Connecticut, Chicago, and Burlington, Vermont. Her love of nurturing extended beyond the classroom-she later worked as a visiting aide in Burlington, caring for elderly members of the community.

In 1978, Ingrid met James Wilson in Burlington. They married the following year and built a life grounded in their deep partnership. In 1983, they purchased the Northfield News & Printery in Northfield, Vermont, which they owned and operated until their retirement in 2007. Together, they were committed to providing coverage of local government, elections, sports and community affairs-promoting transparency and accountability within the Northfield community. They were deeply grateful for the support of the local business community and took pride in their role in the town's civic life.

Ingrid was an active volunteer, contributing her time to the Brown Public Library and the Northfield Historical Society.

She could diagnose an ailing plant just by sticking her finger into the soil, and surrounded herself with thriving plants and flowers. She was an avid reader and journal keeper, a devoted follower of the New York Times, and a passionate collector of many postcards. She loved music, especially live performances, and saw many iconic rock 'n roll bands.

Ingrid had a deep love for animals and always shared her home with them. She also helped foster and rescue many animals over the years.

She found joy in birdwatching in her backyard, studying Vermont geology and history, antiquing, and closely tracking the weather from her home weather station, often keeping family members informed of road conditions. Though later in life she lived far from both the ocean and New York City, they remained top of mind and were frequent subjects of conversation.

She shared a love of history with her husband Jim, particularly the Civil War, and together they traveled to Gettysburg and other historic sites.

In 2009, Ingrid was widowed after Jim's passing. In 2019, she moved to Montpelier, where she cherished her time with the "Coffee Ladies," a group of close friends who offer one another companionship, humor, and support.

For the last year and a half of her life, Ingrid lived at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield, Vermont, where she found a loving and committed community among both residents and staff.

Ingrid was predeceased by her mother, Leocadia Chiarito; her father, Arthur Olaf Erickson; and her brother, Arthur Erickson, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Erik Nelson of Wellesley, Massachusetts; her daughter-in-law, Wendy Nelson; and her beloved granddaughters, Lauryn Nelson and Rachel Nelson. She is also survived by her niece, Andrea Elmer; nephews, Jon Erickson and Keith Erickson; great-niece Maddie Elmer, cousin, Evelyn Ulmer and sister-in-law Veronica Erickson-Summo.

She also leaves behind her beloved animals Teddy and Sweetie, who now live with family. Ingrid's caring and curiosity for family and all creatures will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Ingrid's life will take place this summer, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mitzvah Fund of Montpelier (https://www.themitzvahfundvt.org/), which provides care for companion animals belonging to low-income seniors, veterans, unhoused neighbors, and disabled first responders.