Eleanor Marie Mannion
ELEANOR MARIE MANNION, 81, of Clinton, (Hanover Twp.) died October 19, 2014 following a brief illness.
Eleanor leaves behind her devoted husband of 57 years, Farrell, her children, Doreen (Connie Kiernan), Michele (Donald Rainville), Lisa Smedley (Darren), Kevin (Stephanie) and the greatest joys of her life, grandchildren Liam and Fiona. Eleanor also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, as she never met a stranger, and if she was your friend, you had a loyal friend for life.
Eleanor was raised in Luther, New York, by her adopted parents, her Uncle Henry Willett and his wife, Paula. Eleanor’s birth mother, Eva, died when Eleanor was 5, and Eleanor never knew her birth father, Joseph Shamrock. A 1950 graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush, “Madame President” was valedictorian and went to Europe to study languages, earning degrees in Spain and Switzerland. Upon returning to the US, Eleanor witnessed the heyday of the airline industry, working for Sabena, EI-AI, and TWA. After meeting a handsome young marine on Long Island, the two married and began a life together in California, then relocated to upstate New York. Mrs. Mannion began a career as a substitute teacher, which continued at the South Side school district after the family relocated to Hanover Twp. in the early 1970s, where Eleanor was very active in her children’s lives, the PTA, Band Boosters, and Concerned Citizens. After leaving the classroom, Eleanor had a successful career at Calgon Carbon. A breast cancer survivor, Eleanor quietly contacted newly diagnosed women in the community to offer wisdom and support. She also volunteered for the Pittsburgh International Airport as a telephone translator, helping bewildered and confused speakers of French, German, and Spanish find their way. Eleanor will be remembered for her green thumb, her cross stitch work, her sense of humor, and her way with words.
In addition to her parents, Eleanor was predeceased by her brothers, Richard, George, and Clement, and sister, Eleanor.
A memorial service will be held in East Greenbush, New York, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to your favorite charity in Eleanor’s name.
Cremation services have been provided by the MOODY FUNERAL HOME, Route 30, Clinton.