Eleanore M. Avalon

Eleanore Marie Avalon passed away peacefully on August 14, 2020 in the home of her daughter in Ravenna, Ohio. She was 90 years old. She spent her last weeks surrounded by her loved ones. She is predeceased by her husband of over 60 years, John Avalon, who passed away at the age of 87 on November 30, 2016.

Eleanore is survived by her children John (Linda) Avalon of Middlefield, Gary (Cindy) Avalon of Perry, Carolyn (Tim) Lane of Ravenna, and Gayle Turk of Mentor; her grandchildren Tom (Carolyn) Beach, John (Deanna) Avalon, Tom (Nicci) Avalon, Jessica (Jeremy) Rowan, Lisa (John) Christy, Becki (Kelley) Reynolds, Erin (Tim) Orentlikher, Stephanie (Craig) Osterholt, Jason Turk, and Amy (Randy) Sines; her great-grandchildren Anna, Sydney, Sullivan, Andrew, John William, Nathan, Audrey, Elliott, Adam, Shaun, Eleanore, Mara, Katelyn, Emily, Josephine, and Lincoln; and her siblings Robert (Catherine) Thomas, Father Ralph Thomas, Andy (Sandy) Thomas, and Marilyn (Denny) Jacobs.

She is predeceased by her husband John and granddaughter Aimee Lane.

Eleanore was born on May 22, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio to Mildred and Andrew Thomas. She was the oldest of five. As a child, Eleanore and her siblings grew up in Maple Heights. She loved spending time with her younger siblings, but often had to devise ways to dodge them to see her friends. Eleanore loved to roller skate and roller dance to the “Flea Hop” in a ruffled skirt. She met her husband John at the roller rink. Eleanore remained close with all her siblings and their families throughout her life.

Eleanore was married to John Avalon on February 18, 1950 at St. Wenceslas Church in Cleveland. She was a dedicated wife to him for 65 years. John was a photo engraver and a talented self-taught woodworker. Eleanore and John bought their first house in South Euclid before moving to live in Novelty for over 30 years. Her children share a happy memory of them laughing and making bagels together in their kitchen on Fox Hollow Drive. Together they were immensely invested in their family, building a lasting legacy of loyalty and hard work. As John’s health ailed in his older years, Eleanore patiently cared for him. She spent the last 20 years of her life in a cottage in Ravenna and senior living facilities in Mentor. Before her passing, Eleanore lived in Parker Place in Mentor where she made many friends and memories.

Eleanore dedicated her life to loving and caring for others. In addition to being a devoted wife, she was a loving mother who cared for her four children - cooking homemade meals, cleaning to perfection, and problem-solving. Her children often recall a family vacation to the New York World’s Fair in 1964. They like to laugh that the trip was cut short when they got a speeding ticket on the way! As her children grew, Eleanore hosted two weddings receptions at the family home. As they moved away, she was a true support and friend. She was always quick to pick up the phone or get in the car to help.

As Eleanore’s children started their own families, she was unfailingly supportive. Through life’s ups and downs, she and her home always provided a comforting respite. Eleanore could win an award for “Best Grandma Ever.” Her grandchildren fondly remember sleepovers, mini-golf, scavenger hunts, legos, colorful sorbet cakes, birthday cards with stickers, piles of gifts, shopping trips, and homemade pizza nights. She and John showed up faithfully for every recital, concert, and game - usually early and probably in the front row! As she aged, her great grandchildren (including two named in her honor) gave her much joy. She prayed for them regularly. She had a gentle spirit and a natural way with children, never really losing her ability to see the world from their perspective.

Eleanore was a talented chef and many of her family’s memories revolve around the amazing family meals she made. Food was one of her love languages and a big part of the homey atmosphere she created for her loved ones. Growing up, Eleanore’s kids recall devouring her roast beef with gravy, kolachkes, and homemade french fries with cold coca-cola. Special day trips often meant bacon and eggs over a charcoal grill. As her family grew, Eleanore hosted cozy brunches on Christmas morning with cinnamon rolls and nut rolls baked from scratch. The spread always included everyone’s favorites like cheese kuchen, bacon and bagel sandwiches, crepes, corned beef hash, creamed chicken, and her legendary buttery scrambled eggs. Many of Eleanore’s family members attribute their love of cooking (and eating!) to her influence.

Eleanore had a beautiful spiritual devotion and found deep comfort in her faith, especially in her final months. She was a loyal parishioner at St. Anselm’s Church in Chesterland and enjoyed bible studies at Parker Place. Eleanore was unfailingly generous - the word “no” truly was not in her vocabulary. She had an eye for style and design, and everything from her home to her demeanor to her appearance was elegant. She was sharp-witted and an avid crossword puzzle and Scrabble whiz. Eleanore enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and something sweet after dinner. She loved to have a good belly laugh with her husband in their older years. Shortly before her death, she had a vision of him out the window and asked to go be with him.

Eleanore (Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Grio, Grammars, El, Ma) was so humble. Perhaps only now from Heaven will she fully realize the depth of the impact she made on those who loved her.

Eleanore’s family will hold a private service at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. Eleanore donated regularly to St. Jude’s throughout her life and carried the Novena Prayer for St. Jude in her purse.