Elizabeth MacKay Inkster of Madison, Connecticut, died October 15 in her home, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving family: her brother Don Inkster of Bremerton, Washington, and sister Robin Guerette (Robert) of Madison. She leaves her beloved nephews, Christopher Guerette (Emily Jirsa), Jesse Rijos (Gigi), Anthony Franco, Nico Inkster (Joslyn); and her nieces, Heather Williams (Scott), and Danielle Franco. She also leaves behind her greatest source of joy, her great nephews and nieces, Anthony, Westley, Everett, Ian, Valen, Drew, Axa, Callian, and Sutton. Elizabeth is also survived by her aunt and godmother, Elizabeth Pareti of New Brunswick, New Jersey, along with many dear friends and extended family. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Sheldon and Ruth (MacKay) Inkster.

Elizabeth was born in New Haven and grew up in Madison. She graduated amongst the top of her class from Daniel Hand High School in 1969. She went on to earn her bachelor's, master's, and Juris Doctor degrees at the University of Connecticut. (Go Huskies!) Elizabeth taught in the Guilford school system for many years before earning her law degree and devoting her life as a public defender. She also took immense delight in teaching and mentoring law students at Quinnipiac University, where she formed lifelong friendships. Elizabeth was a champion and protector of those in need. She spent time working with the Connecticut Innocence Project. She was a fierce advocate and activist for women's rights and was one of the first women to join the Madison Rotary Club.

She loved traveling and taking trips with family and friends to many countries, and held a special place in her heart for France and the Shetland Islands, where she discovered more family and many new friends. Elizabeth made it a priority to cast her absentee ballot, and she would want all of her fellow champions to vote this November.

A memorial service celebrating Elizabeth's life will be held Saturday, November 2 at 11am.  St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd., Madison. Contributions in Elizabeth's memory may be made to E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, where she holds many cherished childhood memories (801 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT 06443); or to the Madison Ambulance Association, whose staff treated her with such kindness and compassion these last few years of life (9 Old Rte. 79, Madison, CT 06443).