Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Elaine Espindle Obituary
of Dracut; formerly of Saugus; 65
DRACUT -- Elaine (Manoogian) Espindle 65, of Dracut, formerly of Saugus, passed away on December 30th surrounded by her loving family after four and a half year courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was known for her devotion to family and education.
She was the loving wife of Leo J. Espindle, married for 39 years. Daughter of the late Peter Z. and Anna L. (Jevelekian) Manoogian. Adored mother of son Leo of Providence, RI, daughter Emily of Lincoln, RI and Donna Espindle of Falmouth and Leanne Espindle of West Roxbury. Cherished mother-in-law to Robert and Erika. Devoted grandmother to Anna, William, Leo, Mark and Max. Loving sister to David, Myron and Peter Manoogian and many nephews and nieces.
A graduate of Saugus High School (class of 1966), she later received a bachelor's degree from Salem State College and Master's degrees in teaching English and in Administration. She served on the Saugus School Committee from 1973 to 1979 and was a two term Town Meeting Member from 1987 to 1991. A lifelong educator, she was a former English teacher and English Department Head at Peabody High School. She later became the principal of Higgins Middle School, Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools and then Interim Superintendent of Schools all in Peabody. From 1998 to 2008, she was the Superintendent of Schools in Dracut, MA and then again in 2010 after retirement in 2009. She was most recently honored with a dedication of the Dracut Junior High School library. She received the Outstanding Educator Award in 1970 and 1979.
She was a former member of the Massachusetts Federation of Teachers, Superintendent's Harvard Roundtable, board member of the Merrimack Education Collaborative and Chairman of the Roundtable of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.
She enjoyed traveling, literature, attending and participating in plays and musicals, summering in New Hampshire and spending time with her family.
ESPINDLE -- A funeral service will be held in St. John's Episcopal Church, corner of Prospect & Central Sts., Saugus on Saturday at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., SAUGUS. Interment Riverside Cemetery, Saugus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine's memory to the Elaine A. Espindle Educational Fund P.O. Box 484 Lincoln, RI 02865. For directions & condolences, www.BisbeePorcella.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Espindle
Ruthie Serijan
August 21, 2014
Dearest Elaine - you have been an awesome roll model for so many people in this world.
Our friendship expands time and space and I am so grateful I always let you know how loved you are because in the final analysis:
LOVE IS ALL THERE IS MY SWEET GIRL.
"Til we meet again Manoog"
January 29, 2014
Sending heart felt sympathy, we are sorry to hear of her passing.
Carol Rochefort and family
January 11, 2014
Myron, Peter, David, Leo & families..... Elaine was a truly classy lady & will be missed by many. Our sympathies, Bob & Shirley Desmond
Barry Beverage
January 8, 2014
Our deepest sympathies
Camille Bartlett
January 6, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Elaine's passing. She was an amazing woman and an outstanding educator.
Erin Quealy
January 4, 2014
So sorry to hear of Elaine's passing-she was an inspirational woman. I'm glad to have known her! Erin (Woods) Quealy
January 3, 2014
Leo, Warren and I send our deepest sympathy, so sorry for your loss.
Warren & Carole Bailey
George Legere
January 2, 2014
To Peter and family, my sincere condolences. My prayers are with you and yours.
Ross Eisenman
January 1, 2014
Elaine was one of my most cherished teachers. I always think about what an amazing influence she was on my life. She taught me how to write and how to think critically. Her modern American Novel course was college level. We read Babbitt, Slaughterhouse Five, The Grapes of Wrath, and more all in one semester. I remember working so hard in that class. But it was worth it. I also had the unusual privilege of attending Elaine's wedding when I was still in high school. I fought hard to get into her honors English class because I was not happy with the teacher that had been assigned to me. I learned a lot from that experience at the age of 16..that you have to fight sometimes even when those in charge don't want to help. But Elaine helped, and for that, I will be forever grateful. She was part of an amazing team of public educators that included Ann Singleton, Michelene Hague, Cornelia Sheehan, and Robert Cavanaugh. I will always remember her with great admiration and respect.
Sheila Lynch
January 1, 2014
Elaine, I so enjoyed seeing you year after year shopping at the Craft Fair. Dracut took a new direction with you at the helm. Thank you. With heartfelt sympathy.
Robert Antonucci
December 31, 2013
My sympathy to all of you. Elaine was a terrific person and a respected educator. Her legacy will impact us for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Antonucci
President, Fitchburg State University
Herb Moyer
December 31, 2013
Myron & Peter,
I feel that I met Elaine at a Superintendent or educational conference somewhere. I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my 93 yr old Mother in Nova Scotia earlier this month. Elaine will be in my prayers.
Herb Moyer
Exeter, NH
December 31, 2013
To the Manoogian and Espindle families, our heartfelt sympathies to you on Elaine's passing. She was a great lady and a credit to your families.
Anne & Ed Kennedy, Saugus and Naples, FL
Bonnie Elie
December 31, 2013
My sincere condolences to the entire Espindle family. Elaine loved and adored all of you. You really were the center of her universe. Elaine was one of my very best friends, and for that I will be eternally greatful. My she finally get the peace that she so much deserved. God bless her soul!
Kathy Crowley
December 30, 2013
So sorry for your loss Elaine and Leo were my neighbors on Intervale ave in saugus she was a great person
Cheryl Yagjian
December 30, 2013
The words we want to say
are difficult to find sometimes.
Their journey begins far,
far away in the heart.
With sincere condolences,
Richard and Cheryl (Langer) Yagjian
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Elaine Espindle's name
Memorial Events
for Elaine Espindle
Jan
3
How to support Elaine's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elaine Espindle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
