Elaine M. Sears, 83 of Durham, passed away Saturday January 7, 2017, at Mid Coast Senior Health Center Bodwell House in Brunswick. She was born in Durham, ME on April 27, 1933 the daughter of Forrest and Rita (Smith) Merrill. She grew up in Durham and was a 1951 graduate of Lisbon High School.

She married her husband Lloyd Sears JR on December 24, 1955, raising three children

Over the years she worked at Smith & McCarthy Auto in Lisbon, the Auburn Colony in Harpswell, she loved her time as the Nanny for DR Daniel Rock and DR Amy Catlin in Lewiston. Also, Worumbo Mill in Lisbon Falls as a weaver. Retiring from the State of Maine at Pineland after many years.

She loved to go camping with her children and grandchildren. Family trips to Florida were always an adventure. She and her husband traveled as often as they could and had many fond memories. She was an avid doll collector.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years Lloyd Sears JR of Durham. Her Daughters; Rhonda and husband Joseph Bean of Durham and Rita Bonang of Durham ; Son Kevin and wife Sheila of Lisbon Falls. Grandsons; Jason Bean of Randolph MA and Josh Bean and companion Stacy Plummer of North Sebago. Granddaughters; Melissa Bonang Gorman of Durham and Kalie Sears and her companion Zac Pomelow of Litchfield. Great-grandsons; Jordan Ouellette of Durham, Kaiden Sears Pomelow of Litchfield, Ryan Plummer of North Sebago and Tyler Plummer of Poland. Great-great-granddaughter; Amelia Plummer. Her Sister; Brenda Carver of Dixfield. Brothers; Royce Merrill and his wife Jackie of Durham and Dawson Merrill and his wife Rita of Durham; Sister in laws; Elaine Merrill of New Gloucester, Frances Merrill of Durham and June Sears Berg of Oviedo, FL. Many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; brothers; Carleton Merrill and Harold Merrill; sister Gloria Soucie; niece Kathryn Merrill Rundstrom and nephew Brian Merrill.

A graveside service is planned for the spring at Pleasant View Cemetery in Durham. Celebration of life to follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1 Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 www.alz.org/maine, the American Diabetes Association or the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick.