Elaine H. Thornton
October 3, 1944 ~ February 14, 2021
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Portland-Elaine Hasson Thornton, 76, a lifelong resident of Portland, died Sunday, February 14, 2021, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born in Portland on October 3, 1944, a daughter of John E. and Katherine J. (Donovan) Hasson, and grew up on Munjoy Hill. She graduated from Portland High School in 1963 and Westbrook College, now the University of New England. She was employed by Commercial Union and One Beacon Insurance companies, and later in life enjoyed working for the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, retiring in 2012. After retirement, she volunteered at the Portland Public Library's Research Department and Merrill Auditorium.
Elaine was a devout Catholic and found great strength in her faith. She was an active member of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, on the church's Social Justice and Peace Committee, and as a frequent sponsor of adult converts to the faith. She was also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a group that supports Christians in Israel. Her family finds comfort knowing that she is now in God's hands.
Her pride and joy were her three sons, for whom she was a persistent example of work ethic, congeniality, and a sense of humor; an example they aspire to every day. Her sons recall they never went to school without a homemade lunch, and never had an event in their lives that she was not present. She was quick to her infectious laugh, slow to anger, and couldn't keep a secret. She had an easy grace and calming presence, regardless of any adversity she faced. Those qualities drew others to her and helped her form deep friendships. She loved reading, the Home Shopping Network, and travel. She treasured her trips to Ireland and Italy.
In her youth she was often mistaken for Jackie Kennedy, and in the late 1960s, she was a model for a Casco Bank ad campaign entitled "We're Always Thinking," which put her likeness on everything from billboards to matchbooks.
Elaine was predeceased by her brother' John Hasson; and sister, Jane Hasson. She is survived by her sons, Patrick Thornton and his fiancee Emelia of South Portland, Thomas Thornton, III and his wife Amber of San Diego, Timothy Thornton and his wife Jessica of South Portland; her brother, David Hasson of Portland; her sister, Elizabeth Plourde and her husband Robert of Hobe Sound, Florida; three grandchildren, Jameson, Thomas IV, and Taylor; nieces and nephews, Terri Fasulo and her husband Daniel of Portland, Susan Hasson of South Portland, Katherine Hasson of South Portland, Michael Giardi of Salem, Massachusetts, Thomas Giardi and his wife Carol of Charlotte, North Carolina, Joseph Napolitano and his wife Linda, of Montgomery, Alabama, Mark Plourde and his wife Michelle of Gainesville, Florida, Christine Reed and her husband Jason of Denver, Colorado; and many extended family members and friends.
Visiting hours celebrating Elaine's life will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 10:00am. To view the live stream of Elaine's service, please visit
www.Facebook.com/conroytullywalker.com To view Elaine's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com A Celebration of Life will be held in later summer/fall for Elaine.
Those who wish may make contributions in Elaine's memory to; Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland ME 04101
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I feel fortunate to have known Elaine. We worked together at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein and she was a gem, so kindhearted and caring. She would often share with me the pictures of her grandchildren and share with me how proud she was of her sons. The world is a better place because Elaine was in it. I will forever feel thankful that our paths crossed.
– Nancy Levinsky
Our Family is praying for yours. May her memory live on.
– Stephen Quigley
Elaine was one of the kindest people we have ever known. She was much loved and will be missed by so many. Our love and thoughts are with her family
– Tribute Store
We are thinking of you. From the Velasco family in California.
– Tribute Store
Your bright light shines on in hearts of all who knew you.
– Laura Stubbs
Pat, Tommy, Tim. With deepest sympathy.
– Tim & Erica
Deepest condolences to the family of classmate Elaine.
– Class of 1963 Portland High School
Elaine was an “out-law” as I was. I didn’t know her well but knew that she was a special person. A woman of grace and charm and goodness. I was sad to see that she is gone. But to a better place. Rest in Peace, Candice Thornton Lee
– Candice Lee
Sending condolences & prayers to Elaine’s family on her passing. May you find comfort in your beautiful memories of her. Sincerely, Susanne Randall, her neighbor at Bayview Heights
– Suzanne Randall
Elaine and I shared many travel trips. One stands out! We were 10 women heading to Boston for a Dinner-Theatre evening. No one wanted to drive. Elaine, ever helpful, volunteered her son Tim to drive a van. He was the last to know. Poor Tim was a good sport. He accepted the dinner, but declined the theatre ticket!
– Rachel Morin
Agreed. LOJoBo was also a better place to work because Elaine chose to spend her semi-retired years working there.
– Amy & Marshall Tinkle
Patrick, Tommy, Tim & the Hasson family, Please accept our sincerest sympathies for the sad loss of your Mom & precious Elaine. She was one of the truly gracious individuals who made life so pleasant for everyone around her. We will all miss her so much. May you find comfort in knowing that we all share your very deep sorrow. Pauline Cormier & Tony Frates
– pauline cormier
Just learning of your Mom’s passing and wanted to reach out with our deepest condolences to Pat, Tom and Tim and your families. We have so many fond memories of the Thornton boys playing with Ash on Winding Way and in our pool. Your Mom was always so nice and a great neighbor. We are so sorry for your loss. Hope you all are doing well. Love from the Libby-Wipfler Family, John, Valerie, Ash, Michaela, Vanessa and Isaac. BTW, Ash lives in Franklin, MA with his wife, Jill, and two boys, Ben (10) and Matt (8). He owns his own electrical business and his wife is a first grade teacher. We miss them terribly during this pandemic. We have only been able to see them once in 15 months. Hope you all are safe and healthy.
– Valerie Libby
Patrick, Tommy and Tim and her family, My heart aches for you at this time. I need not tell you what a wonderful mother you enjoyed; a woman of loving kindness, strength, joy and always sharing her effervescent smile with all. I have very special memories to carry forward as I know you do. Love, Priscilla Miller now residing in Concord, MA
– Priscilla Miller
I was a co-worker of Elaine’s at LOJoBo for many yrs., prior to her retirement. We’d occasionally get together for a meal or a show. I regret that we’d lost touch, recently. I didn’t know she was sick. Elaine was a fine human being. Her faith was sincere. Catholicism was her true North and her consolation. She adored her gr’kids! She was a loyal to those who were lucky to call her “friend.” Our conversations were wide-ranging, although we tried to avoid politics. Grandchildren were a favorite topic. Elaine & I would recommend good books to each other. She was fun to be with. Elaine’s laughter came easily and was contagious. Marshall & I send our deepest sympathy to the whole family. ~Amy Tinkle
– Amy & Marshall Tinkle
I worked with Elaine and she was the kindest, sweetest lady and a great mentor. I missed her when she retired but did see her after. I was so sorry to hear of her passing and prayers to her wonderful family at this time. She will be missed by all.
– Wendy
Katie and I will always remember Elaine . Somewhere a tree will honor her life.
– Priscilla
Patrick, Tommy, Tim I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was an amazing lady. I hope you find some comfort at this difficult time in sharing the wonderful memories of the time you had together.
– Kristine Taylor
“Elaine Thornton” will remain in our hearts forever.
– Tribute Store
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful person. I worked with her at Commercial Union/OneBeacon and was glad to connect with her at Cathedral. She was so proud of her sons . She was a good example and had such faith. Sincerely Nancy Wallace
– Nancy Wallace
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Patrick and the family for your loss. I worked with Elaine at Commercial Union and she was a great friend. she was a beautiful person, inside and out. I always tried to connect with her when we came back to Maine in the summer for a visit as we live in Florida now. she was so proud of her family and I am sure she will be greatly missed. The world is a better place because of her. Marilyn Gargiulo
– Marilyn Gargiulo
I am so sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a special lady, beautiful inside and out. Elaine was also a good friend. Although we did not get together much, after she moved back to Portland, we did keep in touch. She would tell me about her boys and her grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be missed by many but especially her family. RIP Lovely lady and friend.
– Sue Tiner
Pat, Tommy and Tim, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was an absolutely incredible woman. I have so many wonderful memories of her and all of you. Your family was such an important part of my life growing up and I am thankful for our times together and memories made. Please know that my heart and thoughts are with you as you move through this painful time. Katie (Miller) Wynn
– Katie Wynn
I worked with Elaine in the 70’s at the Multi Purpose Center, now called Longley School, in Lewiston. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. She was always soft spoken and did a wonderful job with the students.My sympathies to the family, Maggie Pelletier
– Marguerite Pelletier
So sorry for your loss Patrick and all. Love Kandice and Scott Coulombe
– Kandice and Scott Coulombe
Patrick, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
– Love your Phenix Phamily
The Thorntons, the Morins, and the Campbells bonded together and shared many holidays, family events and graduations over the years. We share a deep ache and profound sadness for the loss of our Elaine, a role model for us all.
– Rachel Morin
With love from Robert and Elizabeth, Jason and Christine, Marc and Michelle
– Christine Reed
I was so sorry to the Elaine family for the passing of Elaine. And the Hasson family. Kristen Tully
– Kristen Tully
Love and prayers, the Giardi family
– Jane, Al, Michael & Tom
Elaine, such a wonderful friend and remarkable person. She made the world a better place. Kathy Powers
– Kathleen Powers
With our deepest heart felt sympathy. Elaine was always so kind to us. We will miss her.
– Larry and Nellie Cuevas