Eleanor Penniston

The youngest child of the late George and Anna (DeConinck) Hopfer, she was born August 24, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York.

Eleanor grew up on East 95th street between 2nd and 3rd avenues and graduated from Julia Richmond High School Class of 1958. On February 2, 1962, Eleanor married Benjamin Penniston in Manhattan, whom she had known since childhood.

She was a busy mother and wife, who took great delight in raising her children. She always listened with interest to what others had to say and exuded a calm, even temperament. She loved her family and enjoyed preparing meals for others, gardening, and happily working through crossword puzzles while relaxing in the evenings with her husband. An avid reader, she loved a good book, especially a well-written one, and was always eager to learn something new. Her compassion extended beyond her home, especially to the animals that visited her yard. She delighted in feeding them and often went so far as to prepare special food just for them, ensuring each creature was well cared for. She was concerned for our world, saddened by its injustices, and amazed by the beauty of the natural one.

Eleanor was also a fighter. In her last years, she fought and recovered from several challenging illnesses and amazed her loved ones with her resilience and determination. She refused to let worries consume her energy.

Eleanor is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Benjamin Penniston; three children, Kerry Penniston, Dena Wolf (Daniel), and Todd Penniston(Chantiga), and grandson, Elijah Wolf, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, George Schaefer, William Hopfer, George Hopfer, Arthur Hopfer, Albert Hopfer, Claire Deets, Anne Hopfer, Alice Kerr, Frank Hopfer, Helen Vega, John Hopfer and Donald Hopfer.

There will not be any services at this time. A private family burial will take place in the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home.