Eleanor M. Lacourse

Eleanor was born on September 10, 1927, in Washington, D.C., to Raymond and Mary Wise. She graduated from Eastern High School in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 1945. At the age of 18, Eleanor left home and moved to New York City, where she worked for the telephone company. During her years in New York, she also joined a ballet company as a member of the chorus and danced for several years.

In 1947, Eleanor met her future husband, Robert "Bob" Lacourse, on a blind date in New York City. The date was arranged by her longtime friend, Alice. Eleanor and Bob were married on October 8, 1949.

Bob was a career military man, first serving in the Navy and later in the Marine Corps. As the wife of a serviceman, Eleanor moved frequently with her family. She often said that the early years of their marriage were an adventure, as they traveled from place to place and had the opportunity to see so much of the country. The family had a camper that they pulled from one military base to another, stopping along the way to enjoy the scenery and visit historic places.

During Bob's service in World War II and Korea, Eleanor's strong will and independence served her well. She managed on her own for many years while raising their daughter and supporting her family through Bob's military service.

In 1966, when Bob retired from the service, the family moved to Harlingen, Texas. Coming from the East Coast, Texas was a new experience for Eleanor, but she embraced her new home and made a life there. In 1973, Eleanor and her family moved to Amarillo, which would become her final and longest home. She remained in Amarillo until her passing.

In the 1980's, Eleanor and Bob purchased an RV and enjoyed traveling throughout the country, particularly visiting state and national parks. They took their bicycles along on many of their adventures and enjoyed hiking, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing the beauty of the places they visited.

Eleanor was a talented and creative artist who excelled in oil painting, as well as graphite and charcoal sketching. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and knitting. Another special interest was genealogy, through which she spent many years researching both sides of her family and preserving their history for generations to come.

Eleanor will be remembered for her independence, determination, creativity, love of travel and the outdoors, and her dedication to family and preserving its history.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherie McManaman and her husband, Dennis; grandson, Christopher Hammack and his wife, Jennifer Hammack; granddaughter, Megan Primer and her husband, Buddy; granddaughter, Casey Severson and her husband, Josh; great-grandsons, Harley McManaman and Conner Watson; and great-granddaughter, Kinsley Primer.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Lacourse; her mother, Mary Jackson; her father, Raymond Wise; and her brother, George Wise.

Eleanor leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved her, and a legacy of strength, curiosity, and adventure that will continue through the generations.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Chapel Of memories, 6969 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, on September 4, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, East Mausoleum, 6969 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, on September 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm.