Eleanor Jane Ackley

Eleanor Jane Ackley, 87, passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family, on Sunday morning, October 18, 2015. She was born on June 8, 1928 in Endicott, New York; the daughter of the late John and Anna Martin Brino. Eleanor married the love of her life, the late Will Ackley and together they raised three great children, Sandi, Gary and Janet.

Following retirement, they moved to West Palm Beach, to the PGA, to be with Sandi and her husband John. Her wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren were near as well – Nicole, her husband John and their two children, Will and Hannah and Chris and his daughter, Carissa.

After falling ill to Alzheimer’s, Will and Eleanor relocated to North Carolina to be closer to Gary and Janet. Her other grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed the time with her as well - Andrew and his wife Amalia, and their little ones, Davis and Isla, Caroline (out working on her PhD in London, England) and Jennifer (the youngest grandchild – Pop’s “Snicklefritz” and Grandma’s “Bink”). Other family included Andrew and Caroline’s mother, Marcia and George and certainly Gary’s girlfriend, Laura.

Janet was the lucky one as she was able to care for Grandma for the past few years. She was blessed for Grandma taught her how to be humble, kind and most of all taught her the true meaning of LOVE, for Grandma loved everyone!

Eleanor was so thankful that each of her family members came home to visit and talk with her each time she asked. She loved her family so very much and cherished the “I Love You Grandma” each time her family came and left. Many a conversation was had in her room or outside on the porch. Mention Jennifer’s name, as of late and Grandma’s eyes would sparkle and her smile would get bigger. They shared a love of all animals and Grandma so enjoyed watching the latest puppies grow and play.

Eleanor was a kind and gentle woman who was always there to talk to you about anything. She always said “thank you”, but truly, it was those with her that were thankful for the time with her.

In keeping with her many expressions of thanks:Sandi and Emily – Grandma loved the Krispy Kreme donuts and your visits; The Committee of Lori and Donna – Grandma never let Janet go out with you until Janet passed one of Grandma’s inspections. You knew the routine about a skirt or dress! Or keep warm – wear a sweater or a coat (even for a quick errand to Trader Joe’s: Grandma loved hearing all of the adventures and stories and Ladies – you were always there for Janet – THANK YOU!; Cricket and Kathy – God brought you into our lives and we are so thankful to him! God is Good – Grandma was looked after by you two as if she was your mother. Cricket – when your hearing aid batteries needed changing you changed Grandma hearing aids. Kathy – the rides to lunch, especially Wendy’s, with the kid’s made Grandma the “cool kid in the car with the red sunglasses” THANK YOU; Transitions LifeCare: Fran – Grandma’s Hawaiian friend – she loved the weekly visits!! Julie – her nurse who has come to be our friend. Grandma loved your weekly care. Sue – the Chaplain – you were her spiritual guide during her time of need. You truly have a calling from God; Pastor Horace – our preacher – friend – your visits made her day! You need to come out of retirement. Thank you for officiating her memorial service for us with Chaplain Sue St. Claire.

Our family is forever in your debt for taking such good care of Grandma physically, mentally and spiritually. Mere words cannot express our thanks to you who thought of Grandma, visited, prayed about or prayed with Grandma, and even asked about her. She will never be forgotten and when you think about her we know a smile will come. Thank you, the family hopes and prays you are at peace and you love the Lord like Grandma does!!

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 6 pm, officiated by Rev. Horace Ferguson and Chaplain Sue St. Claire, at Apex Funeral Home. Family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home and continue onto their home for food and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Eleanor's memory are preferred by the family at Transitions LifeCare - 250 Hospice Circle - Raleigh, NC 27607.