She purposely lived to fulfill her goals despite the, adversity and challenges of the times. Born in Harlem New York, to Leslie and Margaret Murray January 30, 1926, raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Simon Gratz high school in 1944. Eleanor married Warren Harvey Washington in 1960 while working on her nursing degree at the University of Pennsylvania. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1961, and served as a public health nurse at Harlem hospital, then joined Warren in Los Angeles. They were married for 36 years living their dream of building a family despite the distance from family and friends.
Having lost her parents at a young age, she was very determined about her career and life goals and persevered in everything she did.
In 1977, she and Warren moved their family to Northridge California and Eleanor continued to serve the LAUSD as rotating school nurse to multiple schools in the San Fernando Valley. She retired in 1997 to care for Warren once he had retired and his health had begun to decline. In total, she served the Los Angeles Unified school district (LAUSD) for nearly 30 years as a school nurse working in some of the most difficult schools in the district which catered to the physically challenged and other special needs children. Subsequent to Warren’s home going in 1996, she actively participated in the Porter Ranch YMCA, the Northridge United Methodist Church and deepened longstanding friendships with several of her friends and neighbors in the Porter Ranch community.
Eleanor is predeceased by her husband, Warren Washington, her brother, Ernest Murray Sister, Loretta Tolbert, brothers in-law Woodrow Washington (Phyllis) Royall Washington (Mildred) sister in law, Francis Washington-Batts. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Washington-Sow and Linda Fory (Jair), Grandchildren: Saratah Sow, Kayla Fory, Jule Sow, Adrian Fory and Iman Sow, sister in law, Jean Boyd and nieces and nephews: Wendell Tolbert, Marquita Washington, Connie W. Johnson, Robert Boyd (Gloria), Gail Jones (Allen), Roger Washington (Christine) and Tracey Tabb, Goddaughter, Leonore Meridith Sheppard (Paul) in addition to other relatives and friends.
May Eleanor rest in everlasting peace.
A private service will be held at Northridge Methodist Church on June 9,2020 at 10:00 and streamed live on the day of the event.
Eleanor M. Washington will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery with her husband, Warren H. Washington.
In memory of her legacy, (and in lieu of flowers) please consider making a contribution to The Rosalyn J. Watts Diversity Scholar Leadership Award in support of promoting diversity amongst our future nurses attending the University of Pennsylvania. The Rosalyn J. Watts Diversity Scholar Leadership Award is given to a Penn Nursing undergraduate student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship and leadership in promoting diversity and inclusivity and serves as a role model to their peers and others.
You may make an online contribution by following this link: https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=NUR&fund=403946 indicating in the comments section ‘in memory of Eleanor Murry Washington. Alternatively, any checks can be made out to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania” and mailed to the address below mentioning The Rosalyn J. Watts Diversity Scholar Leadership Award in memory of Eleanor Murry Washington.
Penn Nursing
Office of Institutional Advancement
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Philadelphia, PA 19104
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