In Memory: Elaine A. Godsoe

Elaine A. Godsoe (born Elaine Merrill) passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, 2017.

Elaine is survived by her sister, Barbara Smith; four children, Peter Godsoe and wife Diane, Kelley Keyte and husband Brian Johnson, Karen Keyte, Bethany Godsoe and husband Neil Giacobbi; daughter-in-law Jennifer Godsoe; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Elaine was born in Dexter on March 18, 1937, to Edna and Arlie Merrill. She grew up on the family farm in Corinna where she spent many happy hours with her dog Shadow and the family's goats and cows. After graduating from Dexter High School in 1955, she went on to the Maine Medical Center School of Nursing in Portland where she received her registered nurse certification.

After a short period working in Boston, she returned to Portland where she had a successful nursing career at the Maine Medical Center. She was particularly proud of serving as head nurse on the orthopedics floor and maintained many wonderful relationships with her patients and colleagues for years to come. It was during this time that she met her husband, John Godsoe, a dedicated orthopedic surgeon with whom she worked.

After retiring from nursing, Elaine became involved with volunteer service to many organizations. She managed the Maine Morgan Horse show for a number of years and exhibited her own horse at events around New England. Elaine's most rewarding volunteer experience was teaching and tutoring English to recent immigrants through Learning Works where she also served on the board of directors. She and John often hosted Learning Works students at the farm they built together in Cumberland. She was an avid golfer in her later years, turning her passion into a small business, the Golf Learning Center and Practice Park, which she built and managed.

She was also a devoted member of the Cumberland Congregational Church.

Elaine will be remembered for her strong, independent spirit and her love for her family. Her family would like to thank everyone at Bay Square for the compassionate care, dedication and kindness they showed Elaine in her last months.

Services will be at the Congregational Church, 282 Main St., in Cumberland, on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Learning Works, 181 Brackett Street, Portland, Maine 04102.