Elinor C. Hallman

Elinor “Moose” Hallman of Dana Point, CA, passed peacefully—with her husband of 69 years, Edward, by her side—on March 8, 2022, International Women’s Day, a fitting date for a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was guided through her 92 years by a dedication to family, faith, and friendship.

Born on October 7, 1929, in Rochester, NY to Edward and Anne Rauber Cleary, Moose graduated from Brighton High School and Nazareth College, an institution she supported her entire adult life. Although her father passed away when she was 11, she grew up in a comfortable home, supported and adored by brothers Garrett and Kevin Cleary, who both predeceased her, and a gaggle of lifelong girlfriends. Her nickname “Moose,” albeit an odd, but friendly term of endearment earned in grade school, became her normal form of address—especially in a loving way by Ed—for the rest of her life.

In 1953, Moose married Ed in Rochester after a whirlwind romance common for the post-war era and headed west, driving cross country to start a family of baby boomers, with Moose successfully making happy and healthy homes, first in Van Nuys, then San Diego, CA, followed by Phoenix, AZ, with a transcontinental leap to Richmond, VA, before settling in Irvine, CA for nearly 30 years. At every stop, steadfast commitments were made to Catholic parishes and newfound friends and neighbors. Along the way, she gave birth to five children—one daughter and four sons: Patty (Dean, d. 2016) Waasted of Orange, CA, Jeff (Deborah) Hallman of Huntington Beach, CA, Chris (Tina) Hallman of La Jolla, CA, Tim Hallman of San Francisco, CA, and Eric (Barbara) Hallman of Brea, CA.

Moose found pleasure and inspiration in art and culture. She was a voracious reader, enjoying inspiring biographies and non-fiction. She would often identify and share key thematic moments from film, books, and theater to convey a bigger idea or life lesson. But her true creative passion was expressed in painting and pastels, creating artworks—mostly landscapes and flowers—that would adorn the family’s homes.

In addition to Ed and her children, she is survived by grandchildren Sharon (Dustin) Willemsen, Chris (Ashley) Waasted, and Ally (Sergio) Villanueva; Jennifer (Doug) Hallman-Hens, Garrett Hallman and Lauren Hallman; Dylan (Bonnie) Hallman and Connor Hallman; and Ariana and Brenna Hallman; and greatgrandchildren Josephine Hens, Ava Willemsen and Eli Willemsen, Emersyn Waasted and Sloane Waasted, and Dominic Villanueva.

Moose’s final years were spent in Dana Point, CA, celebrating life with Ed and the three generations of her family. When considering her life’s legacy, she requested “A Little Parable for Mothers” be shared when she ultimately passed:

“And the Mother said: I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.

And the children said: You will always walk with us Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.”

And they stood and watched her as she went alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Elinor’s name to Doctors Without Borders

Private Services to be held.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Hallman family.