Eleanor Penniston

She was born August 24, 1940 in Brooklyn the 13th child to George Ott and Anna (DeConinck) Hopfer.

Eleanor grew up on the east side of 95th street between 2nd and 3rd Ave. and graduated from Julia Richman High School.

On February 2, 1962, Eleanor married Benjamin Penniston in Manhattan.

She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and filled her days with thoughtfulness and care for others.

She enjoyed gardening, tending to her plants with patience and pride. Evenings often found her relaxing while watching television, happily working through crossword puzzles. An avid reader, she loved becoming lost in a good book and was always eager to learn something new.

Her compassion extended beyond her home, especially to the animals that visited her yard. She delighted in feeding them and often went so far as to prepare special food just for them, ensuring each creature was well cared for.

A prolific letter writer, Eleanor believed deeply in staying connected. She wrote faithfully every day, sending letters to her daughter, Dena, while she was in college, and keeping close ties with her sisters through her thoughtful correspondence.

Eleanor is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Benjamin Penniston; three children, Dena and Daniel Wolf, Kerry Penniston and Todd and Chantiga Penniston; one grandson, Elijah Wolf; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, George Schaefer, William Hopfer, George Hopfer, Arthur Hopfer, Albert Hopfer, Claire Deets, Anne Hopfer, Alice Kerr, Frank Hopfer, Helen Vega, John Hopfer and Donald Hopfer.

There will not be any services at this time. A private family burial will take place in the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home.