Elizabeth Ann Blaine

Alton, NH-Elizabeth Ann Blaine, 87 died Aug. 4, 2011 at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH. Elizabeth was born January 1, 1924 in New London, CT daughter of the late Robert C. and Hildavie (Holmgren) Donahue and attended St Mary’s Elementary School in New London, Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Norwalk, CT She was employed in the mortgage department of the Union Trust Bank when she met and married Lieutenant Ralph Blaine at the Submarine Base Chapel-on-Thames in Groton. After a wedding trip in New England and Canada the couple moved to the Canal Zone as members of Submarine Squadron Six. The Navy took them from Panama to Newport, RI, Mare Island, CA, New London, CT, Washington, DC, Pearl Harbor, HI back to Newport, New London and Washington while raising and educating a family of four children in a vibrant household. Living among other young Navy families she was involved in group activities and particularly at New London found her-self decorating with the Navy Garden Club. She was a member of the Navy Relief Society, chair lady of the Staff Wives and on the board of the Navy Wives Scholarship Fund and a Brownie Leader. In 1980 the family transitioned to civilian life in York PA and Elizabeth found herself even more involved with the York County Red Cross and Hospital benefits and chairlady of the fashion show to benefit the hospital. In Ridgefield she supported the High School as President of the PTA and chairlady of plans and organization for scholarship benefits. Reentering the employment market she was secretary to financial adviser J.P. Hutton in Westport, CT for six months, another six months as secretary for GTE in Stamford, CT, 18 months at New Canaan Bank and Trust Co. before full time employment in the mortgage department of the Ridgefield Union Trust bank for 6 years where one of her most pleasant customers was Mrs. Henry Wallace, wife of the Vice President of the United States. She is survived by her husband Ralph R. Blaine of Alton, 3 sons William Blaine of Raleigh, NC, James Blaine of West Granby, CT, Charles Blaine of Stoneham, MA a daughter Beverly Bungarz of Spartanburg, SC and 8 grandchildren. Services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday August 10, 2011 at the Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 85 Mill St., Wolfeboro, NH. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Friends and family contributions to a Charity of Your Choice in lieu of flowers.