PORTLAND — Elinor A. Chandler, 84, died March 16 at Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Portland on June 7, 1927, to Philip and Alice Merrill. She attended Portland schools, graduating from Deering High School in the band. She spent most of her life living in Portland.

Chandler was married to the late Benjamin Chandler and together they raised two sons, Robert and Bruce. She was a longtime teacher’s aide in the Portland school system, spending most of her time in the old Emerson School on Munjoy Hill. She was well liked by all the students and many went on to have her husband as a guidance counselor at Portland High School.

In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, skiing and other activities. She made friends for life and in her later years she greatly enjoyed talking on the phone with all her friends. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word searches, needlepoint, bingo and shopping. When she was not doing those things, she could be found watching “Law and Order” or her beloved Red Sox with her chihuahuas by her side. She enjoyed her neighbors at Ledgwood Estates.

Chandler was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Marguerite Messer and Barbara Webber; and brother William Merrill.

She is survived by her children, Robert Chandler and his partner, Cindy Proctor, of Portland and Bruce Chandler and his wife, Elizabeth, of Brunswick; grandchildren, Robert Chandler II of Florida, Stacy Chandler of Buxton, Bonita Gibbons of Portland, Rebecca Chandler of Hollis, Philip Chandler of Bangor, Aaron Chandler of Union and Amy Chandler of North Las Vegas, Nev.; several great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; brother, Donald Merrill and his wife, Charlotte, of Old Orchard Beach; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life took place on March 24 at A.T. Hutchins LLC. A private family interment will be held at a later date.