Eleanor was born on December 28, 1940, in Bridgeton, NJ. She was the proud daughter of the late Simon and Anna (Zaorsky) Cherivtch, and was preceded in death by her infant twin sons, Michael and Christopher Gordon, as well as her brother, John Cherivtch.
Surviving is her devoted husband of 55 years, David Joseph Gordon, and her endlessly grateful children, Clare Elizabeth Gordon-Finnegan (Steffan Finnegan), Ann Catherine Gordon, Emily Suzanne Gordon-Stapp (Jimmy Stapp), and Matthew David Gordon (Alexis Jade Nemeroff). She was a doting Grandma/Babcia to her four cherished grandchildren, Sophie and Isabel Finnegan and Georgia and Owen Stapp. Also surviving are her two sisters, Carol Carr and Simone Zoladz.
Eleanor was raised in Millville, NJ, where she worked as a ticket taker at her parents’ historic Levoy Theater, spent happy summers at the Jersey shore cruising in her bubblegum-pink Jeep, and, at nineteen, entered the order of Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy. She was a graduate of St. Francis College and received a master’s degree in Social Work from Catholic University of America. Her wonderful sense of adventure and service led to a love of travel and volunteer work with underserved children and families. She proudly served the Harrisburg School District as an elementary school counselor for twenty-two years and earned credentials to work as an RPTS (Registered Play Therapy Supervisor), both an achievement and a calling. Eleanor was an active member of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parish and was an adorer for the Sacred Heart Adoration Chapel.
Eleanor wore many hats over her long life. She was a storyteller, puppeteer, crafter, baker, CCD teacher, Girl Scout troop leader, birthday and holiday party planner extraordinaire, daytripper, ballet and sports mom, and the creator of the best darn homemade Halloween costumes in town.
In her later years, Eleanor remained curious, playful, and oh so young-at-heart. She loved thrifting, crafting, gardening, and the simple pleasures of a cup of black coffee or a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone on the porch. She was charitable and thoughtful. She treasured nothing more than her time with her large family, especially wonderful week-long gatherings for Thanksgiving and Spring Break.
Affectionately known as “The General” by her children, Ellie was as feisty as she was compassionate. Her twinkling green eyes, spirited sense of fun, her principled opinions, and steadfast love will be remembered by her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, colleagues, students, friends, and lifelong neighbors. She will be profoundly missed.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg. Visitation will be held prior to mass from 10:00-11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cold Agglutinin Disease Foundation (www.coldagglutinindisease.org) or St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church (https://www.stmmparish.org)
