Claudia DeGrass Paine

RAYMOND — Claudia DeGrass Paine, 68, died quietly at home on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, after a relentless two-year battle against lung cancer.

Claudia was born on Dec. 9, 1943, in Bangor, the daughter of the late Claude and Catherine Degrass.

Claudia attended John Baptist High School in 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 scuber 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.

A private memorial open house will be held for close family and friends on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, at her home in Raymond between 1 and 5 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 981 Forest Avenue, Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Claudia’s guestbook.

We ask those who are planning to express an act of sympathy to consider: Donate Life America, 701 E. Byrd St., 16th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219.