Eleanor Guernsey

Mrs. Eleanor Guernsey, age 98, of Stuart, Florida passed away early on January 19, 2026 surrounded by family. Eleanor was born in Clinton, Iowa, in 1927, the daughter of the late Elmer and Frances (Goodwin) Greenlee.

Eleanor graduated from Clinton High School and from the Iowa Teachers College (now known as the University of Northern Iowa) with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She taught Physical Education at Washington Junior High School in Clinton, Iowa and at a junior high school in Downey, California. She worked with the Red Cross swimming program for many years and was active with the Girl Scouts as a Scout leader. In 1951, Eleanor's swimming abilities saved a nine year old child from drowning in a YWCA pool in Los Angeles.

Eleanor married Robert (Bob) Guernsey in1950 and they moved to California where they became charter members of the First Congregational Church in Downey. Eleanor and Bob had three children while living in California. In 1966, Bob was promoted by PriceWaterhouse and invited to become a partner in PriceWaterhouse South America. Eleanor, Bob and family embarked on a great adventure voyaging to Lima, Peru as passengers on a freighter to start a new life in South America. After 11 years in Lima , the family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, headquarters of PriceWaterhouse South America. Eleanor and Bob retired to Stuart, Florida in 1984.

Eleanor loved to travel and visited many countries. She was known for her wonderful parties in Lima and for her volunteer work in many charities both in Peru and Brazil. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and lived life with grace making lifelong friends from around the world along the way. Eleanor was a member of Peace Presbyterian Church and a supporter of Habitat for Humanity.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob of almost 60 years, her brother Jack and her sister Helen. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Neff and husband Andre’, her daughter, Cynthia Daugherty and husband Bill, and her son, Robert (Bobby) Guernsey and wife Maria; her grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

The funeral services will be private. Those wishing to honor Eleanor’s memory may make a donation to Habitat for Humanity.