Eleanor A Coburn

Eleanor A. Coburn, 95,formerly of 100 State St., Portland, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at St. Joseph's Manor in Portland. She was born November 4, 1916, a daughter of the late David and Alice (Knight) Arey.

As a teenager, Eleanor, was very active in musicals, participating in the "The Arey Trio" performing as the Two Bell Hops and a Belle, with her 2 eldest brothers. They performed at the Elks Club and the Kiwanis, along with performing on the Katahdin Mountaineer Radio Show. Eleanor was extremely gifted and talented, she not only performed in musicals but she also was atalented seamstress, making many costumes and dresses for her daughters when they were children. She played the organ, the auto harp, the piano and was an accomplished writer. She wrote a memory book for her family of the events occurring throughout her life from the early 1900's through the 80's. She shared these stories with her great grandchildrens classes on grandparent's day. The family is grateful for the wonderful gifts of music and poetry of which Eleanor gave them. Eleanor would play the piano at 100 State Street for the residents as well as started the first Newsletter in 1979 there and continued to write the newsletter until the mid 90's. Eleanor committed to memory 100's of songs and poems, the families favorites were the dozens of Robert Frost pieces she would recite for them. She married Frederick A. Coburn in 1935 and he predeceased her in 1973.

Eleanor was a member of the South Portland Church of the Nazarene and was a member of the 75 voice Choir there, performing as an Alto.

She is survived by her two children: Janice Ananian and her husband Michael of Exeter, NH and Richard Coburn of Colorado, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. Along with her husband, Eleanor was predeceased by a son William Coburn, a daughter June MacMillan, grandson Daniel MacMillan, her four brothers: Lester, David, Donald, and Charles Arey.

A Graveside service will be held 11 am, Tuesday September 4, 2012 at Evergreen Cemetery, Stevens Ave, Portland, ME.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to a charity of ones choice in Eleanor's memory.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Eleanor's guestbook.