Elinor A. Chandler June 7, 1927 March 16, 2012 Portland - Elinor A. Chandler, 84, passed away on March 16, 2012 at the Maine Medical Center. She was born in Portland, on June 7, 1927, the daughter of Philip and Alice (Appel) Merrill and attended Portland schools; graduating from Deering High School in 1945, where she played the clarinet in the band. She spent the majority of her life living in Portland. The Merrill family was one of the original settlers in the Portland (Falmouth) area and she often reminisced about the times at the old farm house. Elinor was married to the late Benjamin Chandler and together they raised two sons Robert and Bruce. She was a long time teacher's aide in the Portland School system with most of her time being spent at the old Emerson School on Munjoy Hill. She was well liked by all the students and many went on to have her husband as a guidance counselor at Portland High School. In her younger years, Elinor enjoyed bowling, skiing and other activities. She was the type of individual that when she made friends, she became your friend for life. This would be apparent, because in her later years; one of her passions was talking on the phone with all her friends. Also in those years, she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word search, needlepoint, bingo as well as shopping. When she was not doing those things, you could find her watching Law and Order or her beloved Red Sox, with one of her Chihuahuas by her side. She enjoyed her neighbors at Ledgwood Estates. She was also involved in her early years with Woodford's Congregational Church in Portland. Elinor was predeceased by her parents; two sisters, Marguerite Messer and Barbara Webber, along with one brother, William Merrill. She is survived by her children, Robert Chandler and his partner Cindy Proctor of Portland, Bruce Chandler and his wife Elizabeth (Candie) of Brunswick; grandchildren, Robert Chandler II of Florida, Stacy Chandler of Buxton, Bonita Gibbons of Portland, Rebecca Chandler of Hollis, Philip Chandler of Bangor, Aaron Chandler of Union and Amy Chandler of North Las Vegas, Nevada; along with several great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Donald Merrill and his wife Charlotte of Old Orchard Beach and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Elinor's life on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at A.T. Hutchins, LLC, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland, with visiting hours from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 PM with refreshments. A private family Interment will be held at a later date.