STANDISH- Standish- Elaine Judith Dunton, age 78, passed away unexpectedly at her home on May 25, 2024.
She was born April 17, 1946 in Machias, Maine to her late parents Karl and Dorothy Kelly.
Elaine attended Machias High School, graduating as a co-valedictorian and accepted early to the University of Maine, Orono - majoring in Social Work.
Her accolades are honorable including being a Charter Member, Eta Sigma Gamma, Professional Health Science Honorary Society Class Valedictorian and National Honor Society in High School.
She also pursued education at the University of Southern Maine earning her Masters (1988), University of Maine at Farmington earning a Bachelors (1980), and a Bachelors from University of Maine, Machias (1968).
Elaine was involved in various leadership roles including Vice President Displaced Homemakers Liaison Women Work (1991-1994), the National Network for Women’s Employment out of Washington D.C.(1991-1996), Delegate to region 1 - Advisory Counsel for Women Work, A 10 week Leadership Class sponsored by the Lewiston-Auburn Chamber of Commerce, and Androscoggin Leadership Development Institute (1993).
1999-2010 Elaine was the Coordinator, Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community; Western Maine University and Community College, South Paris, Maine.
Some of Elaine's roles include, regional manager, community resource coordinator, project adult literacy supervisor, clinicians associate, and elementary school teacher.
She worked up until her passing at the University College Rumford/ Mexico, Western Maine University, Central and Western Maine Community Colleges.
Elaine held many titles in her life; wife, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Elaine and Gary were married for 26 years.
Her surviving relatives - husband Gary Dunton, son Toby Brown and spouse Suzette Brown of Nantucket, Stepchildren, Wendy Dunton, Randall Dunton and spouse Pamela Grandchildren - Eliza Brown, Shaun Stojack and spouse Elizabeth, Shawna MacDonald, Renae Moran and spouse James, and Great Grandchildren - James Moran.
Elaine is predeceased by her parents Karl and Dorothy Kelly, sister Karlene Hale, and son Warren Brown.
Elaine enjoyed sunrises on the lake, taking pictures, crackers and wine in the late afternoon, teaching, walks, running, going to lunches, picnics at the lake, and visiting family in Nantucket.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com