THOMASTON — Elaine Donaldson, peacefully passed away on January 3, 2019, at the age of 94 years. She loved traveling, gardening, reading, making crafts, Japanese art and culture, and spending time with family and friends.

Elaine was born in Thomaston, Maine in 1924 to Arthur and Vernona (Comstock) Risteen. Her mother passed away in 1931, after her brother Sterling was born. Her father remarried to Grace Newhall.

Elaine enjoyed growing up in Maine and being part of the 4-H Club. She also enjoyed spending time with her aunt Nanina Comstock.

Elaine graduated from Thomaston High School in 1943. Then she attended the University of Maine and worked in New York.

She married her first husband Arthur C Payne and moved to the Panama Canal Zone.

In the Canal Zone, Elaine worked as a steno and typing supervisor for the Office of Finance. She did radio plays, was a member of Alpha Beta Sigma Phi, and a Cub Scout den mother.

She had two sons, Arthur C Payne Jr. and Robert Payne.

Elaine and Arthur divorced and Elaine married Robert “Bob” Donaldson Jr. in 1969. They lived in Panama and Japan. They retired in 1979 and returned to live in Rockland, Maine.

In Rockland, they had an active social life. Elaine enjoyed attending Pratt Memorial Methodist church, where she especially loved to participate in the craft shows.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; son Robbie and brother Sterling Risteen.

She is survived by her son Arthur; granddaughters, Patty (Kevin) Emig and Erin (Mike) Blohm; great grandchildren Chris Hoffman and Lily Emig and stepchildren, Robert, John and Rae Donaldson.

Elaine will be laid to rest at Village Cemetery in Thomaston in the spring.

Memorial tributes can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.

Local arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.