RAYMOND – Claudia DeGrass Paine, 68, died quietly at home Sunday, Oct. 28 2012 after a relentless two year battle against lung cancer. Claudia was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Bangor, daughter of the late Claude and Catherine Degrass.
Claudia attended John Baptist High School, Bangor and Merrimack College in Massachusetts before marrying the late Errol Paine of Bangor. Claudia had a great passion for life and enjoyed traveling, politics, SCUBA Diving, knitting and spending time with her six grandchildren. She could often be found knitting beautiful and unique items for her grandchildren when she wasn’t replacing hats and mittens lost in the winter months. Some of Claudia’s favorite trips included Stonehenge, an Alaskan Cruise, diving in The Caribbean, and going to the theater in London. Claudia was a long term survivor of an organ transplant and dedicated many years to raising awareness and understanding of the critical need for organ donations. At age 55; two years after her organ transplant; Claudia became a certified SCUBA diver, diving in both Florida and the Caribbean for several years. Claudia also competed in the Transplant Olympic Games as a swimmer for many years as well.
Claudia is survived by four children, Cmdr. Joel Paine USN (Ret.), Scott Paine, Brent Paine and Rebecca Kurtz; and her six beloved grandchildren, Shay, Errol, Grace, Yeva, Kyra and Sophie. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her illness especially the nurses of Hospice of Southern Maine, and the compassionate and skilled healers at Maine Center for Cancer Medicine.
A private memorial open house will be held for close family and friends, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at her home in Raymond. We ask those who are planning on expressing an act of sympathy to consider Donate Life America, 701 E. Byrd St., 16th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. (804) 377-3580. donatelifeamerica@donatelife.net http://donatelife.net/give-to-dla/
Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 981 Forest Ave., Portland. To sign Claudia’s guest book please visit www.advantageportland.com.
Claudia DeGrass Paine
