Elaine J. Sanborn

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. Throughout her life, Elaine had a passion for knitting and wool rug braiding, resulting in numerous afghans for gifts and rugs throughout her home. Her knitting bag was always by her side and traveled along with her! 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 asked Al to purchase a canoe which led to 30 plus years of canoeing and whitewater adventures in their northeastern region as well as several major river trips across the U.S. (including the Verde, the Swanee, the Green, and the Missouri), Canadian provinces, and Costa Rica. Elaine also loved planning family vacations near the ocean and bay areas where they could take their grandkids and others in the canoe.

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, her daily prayers for others, 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.