Obituary: Elaine Marie (Coyne) Kitchen

Elaine Marie (Coyne) Kitchen

DEFREESTVILLE, N.Y. / PORTLAND – Elaine Marie (Coyne) Kitchen, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Oct. 22, 2026.

Born on June 16, 1937, she was the beloved daughter of the late Martin Henry Coyne and Claudia Gould (Crowley) Coyne. Elaine grew up in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School in the Class of 1956.

On June 12, 1960, just one week after her husband, T. Robert “Bob” Kitchen, graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, the two were married. Two weeks later, they embarked on a new journey together, moving to the Albany, N.Y. area. They settled in Defreestville, N.Y. in 1963, where they built a warm and loving home and life together. Although New York was her home for over six decades, Elaine remained a true Mainer at heart throughout her entire life.

Early in her career, Elaine worked as a secretary for the Engineering Department of Portland Pipe Line. After raising her three children, she returned to the workforce with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department. She earned immense respect for her professionalism, concluding her career as the confidential secretary to the Presiding Justice, Hon. A. Franklin Mahoney and retired on Dec. 31, 1993.

Elaine was a very private person, yet deeply liked and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her primary devotion was always her family and friends. In retirement, she and Bob loved to travel, taking road trips across the United States and Canada, vacationing in Europe, and making memorable trips to Ireland, tracing the heritage of the Coyne family.

Above all, they cherished the considerable time spent at their condo at Whistler Landing in Scarborough where they shared special memories with family and dear friends.

Elaine is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, T. Robert “Bob” Kitchen; her three loving children, David B. Kitchen (Lori), Stephen Kitchen, and Annemarie Kitchen Spada (Eric); and her two cherished granddaughters, Lidia Spada and Julia Spada.

She was predeceased by two brothers, John Coyne and James Coyne.

At Elaine’s request, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made in

Elaine’s memory to the

Center for Disability Services for the benefit of the

Reilly House

314 South Manning Blvd.

Albany, NY 12208

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