Marlborough – Elaine R. (Viens) Whitman of Marlborough, MA died on Friday July 28, 2023. She passed peacefully in her home after a brief illness, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.
Elaine was born in Marlborough, MA to Hector and Rose (Tessier) Viens. She was predeceased by her loving husband and lifelong Marlborough Police Officer Maurice S. Whitman (1994), her son Michael M. Whitman of Marlborough, MA (2022) and sisters Lucille Hashaw of Trinity, TX and constant companion Phyllis Radivonyk of Hudson, MA.
She was a proud mother survived by her daughter Cynthia L. Dunstan and husband James of Gilbertville, MA and sons David Whitman and wife Linda of Westborough, MA, James Whitman and wife Kelley of Wakefield, MA, and daughter in-law Kathleen Whitman of Marlborough, MA; beloved grandchildren Michael Sutherland and wife Laurie of Charlton, MA, Sara R. Sutherland and husband Evthimios Damianidis of Holliston, MA, Derrick Whitman of West Boylston, MA and Joshua Whitman of Wakefield, MA; she also had six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Elaine attended parochial schools, St. Mary’s in Marlborough and St. Michael’s in Hudson learning in both English and French; she graduated top of her class and was class president multiple years. She earned her certification in Boston to become an X-Ray Technologist and later went on to earn an Associate’s degree at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA.
She spent her career working at Marlborough Hospital, committing the majority to mammography within the Women’s Health Center. During her tenure she received a number of awards including employee of the year and recognition for fifty years of service. She worked into her 80’s.
Elaine was a force of nature; the matriarch of her family, impacting all of us in different ways. She was a rare combination of beauty and elegance wrapped in a whip smart intellect and relentlessly driven spirit. She was hard working in a way that is rare, affectionately coined as the “Whitman work-ethic.” She had the highest of standards and put immense effort into everything she pursued.
She is remembered as loving her family, home and the beach in Maine. She cared deeply for animals and tended to her birds faithfully over the years. She began and ended most days on her porch swing with her beloved dog Bella, sipping a coffee or reading yet another book. Elaine lived a life of service to others and made a lasting impression on all who encountered her. She had a strong faith and felt comfort knowing the reunion that lay ahead in heaven.
Sir Issac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Elaine was our giant. We will continue to work hard, live to her standard and channel her humanity in everything that we do.
Calling hours will be at Slattery Funeral Home at 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm, followed by a funeral home service on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 10:00 am and burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.
