ORONO - Elaine Goater , 90, peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on January 9, 2022, at a local health care facility, after a brief illness. She was born October 1, 1931 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Daisy Elizabeth (Webb) and William Ralph Sanders.
Elaine graduated from Richland High School, Class of 1949, along with classmates, her future sister-in-law, Sally Connor (Goater) and her best friend, Janet Ream (Gibbs). She married her sweetheart, John C. Goater Jr., on New Years’ Eve of the same year and shared 59 years of marriage before his passing in 2009, also on Jan 9.
They first settled in Brookville, Pennsylvania, then moved to Orono in the early 1950’s. They fell in love with Maine, the ocean, the seasons and the people.
Elaine’s life revolved around her family and her church. She worked in child day care and was a secretary at the Orono United Methodist Church, she was a girl scout leader and administrator, a den mother for cub scouts, a Sunday school teacher, a room mother, a member of Thursday Club, a very devoted member if UMW (United Methodist Women) and involved in the outreach program of the church by taking sermon tapes and visiting with those who could not attend church. She was on the board of Orono Commons and of the preschool.
Surviving Elaine, are her children, Lauren Goater-Mathis and her husband, Alvin, of Vinton, Virginia; Rebecca Ann Goater, of Orono, John Goater and his wife, Sara Knowles, of Cape Coral, Florida; grandchildren, Nicholas Goater, Zachary Trembley (Goater), Brittney Mathis, Austin Goater-Knowles, Cassie Knowles, and Evan Knowles; a great grandson, Easton Mathis; sisters-in-law, Sally Connor, and Alice Dunwody, their children and families.
In addition to her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her husband, John C. Goater Jr.; brother, William Sanders; and her in-laws, Mary and John C. Goater Sr.
Elaine’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31 “The light of God surrounds me”. On December, 25th 2021, the star #6489667, of the Andromeda constellation was named Elaine Goater. Thus, for those fortunate enough to be part of her life and legacy, the light of God which surrounds her will continue to shine.
A service in honor of Elaine will be held later in the spring at the Orono United Methodist Church and she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband. Details will be forthcoming. Those who wish to remember Elaine in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the United Methodist Womens group at Orono United Methodist Church, 36 Oak St, Orono, Maine 04473.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elaine Goater, please visit our flower store.
Elaine graduated from Richland High School, Class of 1949, along with classmates, her future sister-in-law, Sally Connor (Goater) and her best friend, Janet Ream (Gibbs). She married her sweetheart, John C. Goater Jr., on New Years’ Eve of the same year and shared 59 years of marriage before his passing in 2009, also on Jan 9.
They first settled in Brookville, Pennsylvania, then moved to Orono in the early 1950’s. They fell in love with Maine, the ocean, the seasons and the people.
Elaine’s life revolved around her family and her church. She worked in child day care and was a secretary at the Orono United Methodist Church, she was a girl scout leader and administrator, a den mother for cub scouts, a Sunday school teacher, a room mother, a member of Thursday Club, a very devoted member if UMW (United Methodist Women) and involved in the outreach program of the church by taking sermon tapes and visiting with those who could not attend church. She was on the board of Orono Commons and of the preschool.
Surviving Elaine, are her children, Lauren Goater-Mathis and her husband, Alvin, of Vinton, Virginia; Rebecca Ann Goater, of Orono, John Goater and his wife, Sara Knowles, of Cape Coral, Florida; grandchildren, Nicholas Goater, Zachary Trembley (Goater), Brittney Mathis, Austin Goater-Knowles, Cassie Knowles, and Evan Knowles; a great grandson, Easton Mathis; sisters-in-law, Sally Connor, and Alice Dunwody, their children and families.
In addition to her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her husband, John C. Goater Jr.; brother, William Sanders; and her in-laws, Mary and John C. Goater Sr.
Elaine’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31 “The light of God surrounds me”. On December, 25th 2021, the star #6489667, of the Andromeda constellation was named Elaine Goater. Thus, for those fortunate enough to be part of her life and legacy, the light of God which surrounds her will continue to shine.
A service in honor of Elaine will be held later in the spring at the Orono United Methodist Church and she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband. Details will be forthcoming. Those who wish to remember Elaine in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the United Methodist Womens group at Orono United Methodist Church, 36 Oak St, Orono, Maine 04473.
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