Eleanor Opalewski

Mrs. Eleanor E. Opalewski, age 86 passed away September 15, 2011 in Sterling Heights, MI. She was born September 6, 1925 in Detroit, MI. She worked for many years for the Kmart Corporation as a sales clerk. Family members said she enjoyed playing bingo. She is survived by her children Tom (Susan), Gregory (Michelle), Michael (Barbara), Jeffrey (Hortensia) and Robert Jr. (Marie); grandchildren Danny, Kristy, Katie, Scott, Eric, Angela, Saceil, Stephanie, Jaclyn, Megan, Kayla, Bryana, and Patrick; great grandchildren James, Haylee, Alexia, Abigail, Alex, and Alivia. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert. Visitation Monday 2-9:00PM at Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes Rd. with a rosary at 7:00PM and Tuesday 9:00AM until time of mass 9:30AM at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Seasons Hospice would be appreciated. If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Eleanor E. Opalewski. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Eleanor was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Eleanor was born at Providence Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Martha and Joseph Scrozynski. Eleanor was raised in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Eleanor was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Eleanor's personality throughout her life.

Though Eleanor was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Eleanor was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Eleanor worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Eleanor was raised with nine siblings. She had two brothers, Valand and Eddie, seven sisters, Clara, Mary, Florence, Irene, Dorothy, Helen, and Jeanie. Eleanor and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Eleanor was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Eleanor was always tactful. One thing Eleanor will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Eleanor had a number of interests and was an active child. In her spare time she liked reading.

For Eleanor, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Eleanor was also adept at details. Eleanor was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Sweetest Heart of Mary in 1943. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

There was one thing that all of Eleanor's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Eleanor was such a popular person throughout her life. But Eleanor was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Eleanor was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Eleanor was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Eleanor was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Eleanor was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Eleanor made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Ted and Helen Sobieski, the Malendowski's and Zajdel's. Later in life, she stayed friends with Ted and Helen Sobieski, the Malendowski's and Zajdel's.

Eleanor was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Eleanor cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On August 13, 1949 Eleanor married Robert J. Opalewski at Sweetest Heart of Mary of Detroit, Michigan. Compassionate and devoted, Eleanor worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Eleanor and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Eleanor was blessed with, five sons, Tom, Greg, Mike, Jeff, and Robert Jr. They were also blessed with 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren., Danny, Katie, Kristy, Scott, Eric, Angela, Stephanie, Megan, Jaclyn, Bryana, Kayla, Patrick, and Saceil, and great grandchildren, James, Haylee, Alexia, Abigail, Alex, and Alivia. Eleanor was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Eleanor was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Eleanor would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Eleanor, and she expected the same from those around her. Eleanor was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Eleanor was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Eleanor handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was retail clerk. She was employed Kmart for over 5 years. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Eleanor enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were bingo, going to casinos, and babysitting for the grandkids.

Eleanor was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Eleanor was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included bowling. Eleanor also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf, baseball, and hockey.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Eleanor well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Michael's for over 4 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Eleanor enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Las Vegas, Up North trips, and road trips to Niagara Falls.

Eleanor was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Ginger, a small Terrier, who was a best friend for over five years.

Since it was easy for Eleanor to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Eleanor was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1977. Her new life involved relocating to Roseville, Michigan. In retirement, she enjoyed playing bingo, going to lunch with her lady friends, and going to casinos. Even in retirement, Eleanor stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Eleanor passed away on September 15, 2011 at Evangelical Home in Sterling Heights, Michigan from congestive heart failure. She is survived by her children Tom (Susan), Gregory (Michelle), Michael (Barbara), Jeffrey (Hortensia) and Robert Jr. (Marie); grandchildren Danny, Kristy, Katie, Scott, Eric, Angela, Saceil, Stephanie, Jaclyn, Megan, Kayla, Bryana, and Patrick; great grandchildren James, Haylee, Alexia, Abigail, Alex, and Alivia. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert. Services were held at St. Michael Catholic Community in Sterling Heights, Michigan on September 20, 2011. Eleanor was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Eleanor was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Eleanor was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Eleanor E. Opalewski.