Obituary of Eleanor L. Sheldon

Eleanor L. Sheldon passed away of natural causes on April 6, 2024, in Olympia, Washington. Over the years, she also resided in Beaverton and Eugene, Oregon; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas; Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Laurel Springs, New Jersey; and Chicago, Illinois.

 

She was born April 29, 1929, to Charles and Anna Owen in Chicago, where she graduated from high school and married William H. Sheldon on June 28, 1947.

 

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Eleanor worked in a variety of jobs, including keypunch operator, computer operator, waitress, salesclerk, hostess, mail clerk, press operator, and ballpoint pen assembler.

 

She had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh that could fill a room. She loved taking walks, watching sunsets on the beach, traveling both abroad and in the U.S. (having visited every state), and flying with her husband in small private planes. One of their favorite outings was to fly to a nearby town and have breakfast before returning home.

 

Eleanor loved playing slot machines, which she always won! She coached her daughter’s volleyball team, took home bowling trophies, knitted and crocheted, loved singing and dancing, made her own greeting cards, and enjoyed working on puzzles. She also kept books for their flying club and local fire department, volunteered at the USO during World War II, and was an active member of TOPS when she was in Arkansas.

 

Eleanor lived a full life and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

 

She is survived by her husband, William H. Sheldon of Olympia; sons, Thomas A. Sheldon of Lancaster, Kentucky, and Robert H. Sheldon of Olympia; daughter, Jean A. Sheldon of Springfield, Illinois; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Marie Day and Kay Albensi; and son, William C. Sheldon, who was killed in the Vietnam War in 1968.

 

Memorial donations may be made to PAWS through the mail at P.O. Box 3771, Seattle, WA 98124-3771; by phone at 425-412-4041; or online by clicking HERE.

 

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