Eleanor Bonnie Scheffler (née Drapkin), of Naples, Florida, formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Wednesday night July 9, 2025, while holding the hands of her family. Eleanor was the beloved wife of 54 years to Neil Scheffler; devoted mother of Darcie Scheffler and her partner, Todd Cohen, and of Kara Gordon (née Scheffler) and her husband, Todd Gordon; adoring Meme to Jack and Liana Gordon; cherished sister of Karen Taragano (née Kaynes) and her husband, Jeff Taragano; and sister-in-law of Edward Scheffler and his late wife, Maxine Scheffler, and loving aunt.
Eleanor was born on May 26, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York. She was known for her love of anything elephant-related, her passion for giving thoughtful handmade gifts, and her loving and caring nature. After completing her undergraduate education at Brooklyn College and earning a master’s degree from New York University, she taught home economics (family and consumer sciences) at the junior high school, high school, and college levels and shared those skills not only in the classroom but in the way she nurtured and cared for her family. Eleanor found joy in decorating her home with the treasures she and Neil collected during their many travels, savoring Chinese food, and attending theater and musical concerts. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/ and Beth Tikvah of Naples https://www.bethtikvahnaples.org/payment.php.
