Eleanor Mary Cosgrove

Eleanor was born on December 1st, 1940, to Madeline and Anton Kavulak. She was one of four children in the family, with older sisters Eileen and Pat, and younger brother Rich.

She married John (Jack) Cosgrove on August 15th, 1966, and was blessed to gain three children John, Cindy, and Caren. Eleanor went on to give birth to four additional children, Dan, Mike, Mark, and Jenny. They were raised in the Our Lady of Lourdes parish neighborhood, on the red brick road in the big yellow house.

Eleanor was a stay-at-home mom, while also babysitting a couple of neighborhood children to bring in some extra income. After her kids were all in school, she started working at Younkers at the Center Mall. Mike and Jenny eventually joined her, working there after school and on the weekends. She made many friends working in customer service until the mall’s closure. She then moved on to working at Field Paper. It would not surprise anyone that she also made many close friends there as well. She especially enjoyed the get-togethers at Dinker’s and the company’s annual picnic every summer. Her favorite part was showing off her cherished grandkids to all of her coworkers.

When Jack passed away in 2001, Eleanor remained the strength of the family, keeping everyone close. Even while working full-time, Eleanor always made time for family. Her house was often the site for cousin sleepovers. They would watch movies and enjoy crafts, games, and root beer floats. Her family meant the world to her. After she retired from Field Paper after 20 years of employment, she dedicated even more to spending time with family at home or the lake, which eventually became her full-time home. Her favorite part about the lakehouse was how it brought everyone together each summer, knowing we would make memories that would last a lifetime. She loved watching the sunset at the lake with her family, and now her beauty lives on, reflected in every sunset that reminds us of her love.

She endured the loss of a husband and son with the help of family and friends and continued to live a full, loving life.

She lived her last days at a care facility. She enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends, and especially enjoyed being near her sister, Pat. Eleanor passed peacefully on Monday, December 15th, surrounded by family and friends.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Dan (Shawna) Cosgrove, Mike (Salli) Cosgrove, Jennifer (Lars) Vanderbur, John (Loretta) Cosgrove, Cindy (John) Montgomery, and Caren (Bob) Olsen; grandchildren, Chase Cosgrove, Michaela Cosgrove, Jack Cosgrove, Aidan Vanderbur, Madeline Vanderbur, Isabelle Vanderbur, Lily Vanderbur, Kim (Chad) Sueper, Shawn (Apple) Montgomery, Andrew (Mollie) Montgomery, Joy Montgomery, Erin (Rob) Schmidt, Carly Olsen, Will Olsen; and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Eleanor was strong, practical, down-to-earth, frugal, creative, giving, and kind. She taught her family the importance of love, loyalty, and kindness.

Mom, we are forever grateful for all of your sacrifices you made, lessons you taught, and love you shared. What we wouldn’t give to hear “sit and stay awhile” just one more time. We will forever miss you and carry you with us deep in our hearts.

Services will be held at Westlawn Hillcrest 5701 Center Street on Sunday, December 21. Visitation from 4-6 with rosary and service to follow at 6:30.