'Ellie' was born June 25, 1924, in Portland Maine to Walter and Carolyn Deering. She was married 30 years to Stephen Jessum, mother to 3 sons, grandma to 5, and great-grandma to 7. She was a devoted dog-lover and always had one. For most of her working career, she was an office manager.
'Ellie' was proud to be active for 50 years in the National Ski Patrol in her spare time. She started the Ski Patrol at Spring Mount and Doe Mountain (now Bear Creek) ski areas serving as the first Patrol Leader. She served as a paid patroller and Manager and then as a patrol officer at Pennsylvania’s Hahn Mountain. She was also inducted into the Pennsylvania Snow Sports Museum Hall of Fame in 2006 and was on its board of directors for 10 years. 'Ellie' served as President of the Boyertown Ski Club and as an officer of the Spring Mountain Ski Club. After retiring from Spring Mountain after 41 years, she continued as an active Courtesy Patroller and National Ski Patrol (NSP) Alumni there. Highly regarded within the National Ski Patrol, she was an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) first aid instructor and for many years served as the senior-level instructor and trainer for new patrollers and administered various first aid clinics. 'Ellie' also helped create and for a number of years instructed at the ski patroller school at Killington, VT Ski Area. Since 1970, 'Ellie' had served as the Spring Mountain, Eastern PA Region, and Eastern Division NSP Historian; she continued as an active Alumni running the Eastern Division traveling store. She worked at Salter’s Ski Shop in Eagleville, PA for 14 years. 'Ellie' has received many Certificates of Appreciation and other awards in her lifetime, including the NSP Distinguished Service Award and Leadership Commendation Appointment Award.
'Ellie' enjoyed gardening and tending to flowers, and caring for her dogs. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Eleanor was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Church. She loved her church family as well as her own family.
She was predeceased by her son, Stephen Jessum III. She is survived by sons - Robert (Sheila), and James (Sherry), daughter-in-law Jill, grandchildren - Kim, Alan, Joe, Ryan, and Kelli, and great-grandchildren - Ava, AJ, Evan, Kiley, Tommy, Stephen, and Elizabeth. She touched a lot of lives and a thank you to those of you who touched, prayed, and cared for her during her long lifetime.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on May 6, 2023, at the Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ(527 Hoffmansville Rd, Bechtelsville, PA 19505). A visitation time will be held prior from 9:30 am-10:30 am. Immediately following the service, the inurnment will take place at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor's honor to the charity of your choice.
