Born on January 29, 1933, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Eleanor was the daughter of Edward and Eleanor (Collins) Keating. She attended Marywood Seminary College before earning her master's degree in Classical Studies from Marquette University. She was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed her to spend a summer studying in Italy. During that time, she particularly fell in love with Sicily. She later earned two additional master's degrees from the University of Michigan, a place she held especially dear during her years living in Ann Arbor. She was a lifelong learner whose passion for education and the classics shaped both her career and the lives of countless students.
Eleanor began her teaching career at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids before stepping away from the classroom to devote time to raising her family. She later joined Okemos Public Schools as a Latin teacher, where she established the school's Latin program. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and distinctive teaching style made her a beloved educator whose students remembered her with great affection. She later served as Assistant Principal at Okemos High School, retiring after 25 years of service to education.
In 1989, Eleanor made her home in DeWitt, where she continued to enjoy a life filled with learning, travel, and family. She was an avid reader with a deep love of the classical world, especially Roman history and literature. She found great joy in traveling and enjoyed the daily challenge of crossword puzzles.
Eleanor is survived by her children, Tim (Janet) McCoy, Tony (Alicia) McCoy, and Karin (Steve) Davis; her grandchildren, Ben, Joey, Alexandra, Justine, Alcy, René, Katie, Alexa, Angel, Abbie, and Brad; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Eleanor Keating; and her siblings, John Keating, Sheila O'Malley, and Ginny Tichenor.
Visitation will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on July 31, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Father Chris Owczarek presiding, 530 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Following Mass, Eleanor will be laid to rest in Old St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
