Elaine K. (Goldberg) Riesenberg

Elaine K. Riesenberg (nee Goldberg) of Portland, Maine died peacefully on March 13, 2018. Elaine was born on February 24, 1928 to David and Clarice Goldberg of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first in her family to go to college, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota and received a Masters of Philosophy degree from Columbia University in New York. Elaine had the good fortune to spend a number of years living abroad in Florence and Rome, Italy and traveled extensively throughout Europe.

Elaine raised her daughters in Clayton, Missouri where she worked for many years as an Assistant Dean at Washington University. In 1984, she moved to Maine to be closer to her family. While living in Portland she taught English at the University of Southern Maine, Westbrook College, Andover College and The Maine Correctional Facility. A dedicated and patient teacher, she loved sharing her enthusiasm for literature and always encouraged the best in her students.

Elaine was a voracious reader, a loyal friend, an opera lover, a fantastic cook and a lifelong pacifist and advocate of civil and women’s rights. In 2009, WCSH honored her with a 6 Who Care Award for her 10 years of volunteer service with the Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine.

Elaine is survived by her daughters Julia DeBery of Bath and Anne Riesenberg of Portland, Maine, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, a brother, Alan Golan of Minneapolis, MN, and many wonderful neighbors and friends.

In lieu of a memorial service the family suggests enjoying a well-cooked meal and lively conversation in honor of Elaine’s convivial spirit. The family thanks Hill House and CHANS for their loving care and support. Elaine has asked that any donations be made to Planned Parenthood or the ACLU.

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