Eleanor F. Welch

Eleanor F. Welch passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, after enduring a brief illness. Eleanor was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Walter; her father John O'Toole; her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Francis Lane and her son-in-law, John McNeish. Eleanor was born in 1926 in Hudson,

Massachusetts, the oldest of John and Eleanor O'Toole's three daughters. She was a graduate of Somerville High School, class of 1944, and was employed during World War II installing wing de-icers on B-17 Bombers in support of the war efforts. She met and married the love of her life, Walter, in August of 1947 and they started their life together in Suncook, New Hampshire. Life's events brought the couple to Binghamton where they settled and raised their four children. Besides being a mother and homemaker, Eleanor kept herself busy working part time at the neighborhood post office and assisting Walter with the duties of the Port Dickinson Village Clerk for 17 years. Eleanor had many varied interests, among them were bowling, playing bridge, sewing, quilting, crocheting, square dancing, and her favorite past time of playing bingo. Eleanor was loved and admired by all she met, and her kindness to her friends knew no boundaries. She loved to talk, meet people and eventually became president of the Chenango Valley Seniors. Eleanor looked forward to her time spent at the Oak Street Senior Center and cherished the many friendships developed while there. Eleanor and Walter were 'snow-birds' during the month of January and also enjoyed their summer home on the St. Lawrence River. They were devout Catholics and life long members of St. Francis of Assisi Church. Eleanor was a devoted 'Nanny' to her seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and six grand dogs, whom she also helped raise. Eleanor was, and will continue to be, the heart of her family. Eleanor is survived by her children, son John Welch and friend Mary Sullivan; daughters Kathryn McNeish, Judith Phillips and former spouse Thomas Phillips, Lizabeth and Edward Waples; daughter-in-law Grace Welch; grandchildren Dana Welch, Matthew and Erin Welch, Andrew Waples, Jason and Chiho Welch, Jennifer Welch and Kyle and Brendan Phillips. Eleanor is also survived by her mother, Eleanor O'Toole, who will turn 104 years young this July; her sister Jane O'Toole and several nieces and nephews who all reside in her home state of Massachusetts. Eleanor's family wishes to express gratitude to Patricia Brock for her compassionate and devoted care of Mom during her illness and to all others who have expressed concern for her and her family during this sad time. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she has touched. Nothing made Mom smile more during her final weeks than the unconditional love given to her from her grand-dogs, Brodie, Dooley, Nala, Champ, Marty and Sid! A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday April 15, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in Chenango Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday April 14, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to a no-kill animal shelter of your choice in memory of Eleanor.