Oct. 26, 1929 – Dec. 15, 2024
Westborough – Elaine J. Sanborn, 95, of Westborough, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. She was the wife of the late Allison Q. (Al) Sanborn, whom she met at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and married on April 19, 1952, in Providence, RI.
Born on October 26, 1929 in Providence, RI, Elaine was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and Marion (Curtis) Johnston. She was a 1947 graduate of Cranston High School in Cranston, RI. She graduated from the UNH in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Services.
Elaine worked in social services until 1953, when she left work to raise her four boys in East Aurora, NY. She worked as Attendance Counselor in a local school district from 1972-1979. In East Aurora, Elaine became an avid bridge player, which she played well into her 80’s. She also had a passion for knitting afghans for family and friends (her knitting bag was never far away!) and braiding the wool rugs that adorned her home. In 1979, after her boys graduated from college and moved away, she and Al returned to MA, settling in Westborough.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Elaine was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Westborough. She was also active in the Westborough Historical Society. Elaine worked as a social worker for the MA Department of Social Services in Marlboro, MA, from 1980 until her retirement in 1990.
After retiring, she worked as a FEMA Reservist, assisting victims at many natural disaster sites in Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, and many other states from OR to ME. One particular disaster, 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, had a profound effect on Elaine. She recalled it (during a newspaper interview) being the worst disaster she had seen in her 10+ years with FEMA.
In 1980, Elaine and Al bought a canoe, which brought them 30 years of fun that included whitewater canoeing and local lake canoeing with family. Canoeing led them across the U.S., as well as to Canadian provinces and even Costa Rica.
Elaine was predeceased by Al in October 2023. She is survived by four sons, Christopher Sanborn (Catherine) of Davis, CA; Craig Sanborn (Cathy) of Northbridge, MA; Tyler Sanborn (Cheryl) of Dover, OH; and Jonathan Sanborn (Sara) of Charlton, MA. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, Jana Courtemanche (Tom), Bryce Sanborn (Chelsea), Kelsey Sanborn, Tyler Sanborn (Jenna), Kyle Sanborn (Linsey), Rachel Taylor (Daniel), Glenn, Reed, Olivia, and Clara; and 9 great-grandchildren (Amelia, Charlotte, Noah, Kinley, Sean, Mason, Vander, Ford, and Alessi).
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of the thoughtful, kind staff at Whitney Place in Westboro, who cared for Elaine with great love and respect.
Elaine lived a remarkable life that was filled with family, friends, and amazing adventures. She will be remembered for her faith and her love of people.
Elaine’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 18th, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 John St., Westborough, with Reverend Mary Rosendale officiating. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
