Eleanor A. Larson

Old Lyme- Eleanor Ann Larson, 86, of Old Lyme, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital after receiving last rites of the Roman Catholic church, surrounded in love by her immediate family. She was born on May 5, 1935, in New York City, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Sopko) Zelenka. Eleanor was raised by her aunt and uncle, Julia and Steven Serafin, following the illness of her parents. She spent her childhood with family in New York and at the lakeside farm in NE Pennsylvania.

Eleanor graduated from Evander-Childs High School in New York City and subsequently attended the University of Connecticut. She worked summers at the Light House Inn in New London to fund her education. Eleanor graduated in 1957, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors. Eleanor had a love of helping people which was evident in her work as a teacher in Waterford and later as a social worker. She obtained her Master of Arts degree in social work from St. Joseph's University at the age of 61, focusing on helping the elderly and those suffering from substance abuse.

In 1957, Eleanor married Robert Harold Larson, and they began a wonderful life together full of love, family, cooking, reading, camping across New England, and travel in Europe. Eleanor was always busy planning her next trip, researching recipes, and studying book reviews for her next adventure. Eleanor is survived by her loving husband Robert, daughters Stephanie Larson and Andrea Larson-Peters (husband George). Eleanor is also survived by her brother, Donald Serafin and brother-in-law, David Meriwether. She was predeceased by her sister, Jean (Serafin) Meriwether.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Charitable donations in Eleanor's memory may be made to the Old Lyme Volunteer Ambulance Association, Inc, P.O. Box 911, Old Lyme, CT 06371

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and updated service information.