Eloise Niederkorn Williams

(April 4, 1921 – February 14, 2016)

Eloise passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the age of 94. Gladys Eloise was born in 1921, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Gladys Louise and Alexander Scott Sullivant. Drawn by the scent of orange blossoms and the promise of a new job, the Sullivant family arrived in Riverside, CA. The oldest of three children, Eloise began kindergarten at Longfellow School, attending University Heights Junior High, and finally graduating from Riverside Poly High School in 1939. She loved music and often played the piano in a trio with her sister, Margaret, and brother, Robert; entertaining at weddings and teas. Eloise began college at Riverside City College and completed with a B.A. degree in sociology from the University of Redlands. Shortly thereafter, Eloise married W.F. “Pete” Niederkorn, who was part of the Minnesota National Guard that was assigned to Camp Haun in Riverside at the beginning of WWII.

At the end of the war Eloise and Pete began their life in Riverside. Eloise had a short career as a social worker, but she soon was busy caring for her five children, Nancy, Susan, John, Linda, and Jane. Eloise was a creative, patient, and loving mother. The family’s life centered on school and church. Eloise decided a career in teaching would allow her the flexibility to be home with her family in the summer, so Eloise began teaching elementary school when her youngest daughter began kindergarten. Eloise’s teaching career in the Riverside Unified School District spanned more than 25 years. Eloise taught a number of grades in a number of schools, including Washington and Pachappa. She loved children and wanted to help them to learn and succeed. Eloise retired as a fourth grade teacher at Victoria Elementary School.

Eloise later married Earle Williams. In retirement, Eloise could often be found in her garden, and volunteering at the Assistance League Thrift Shop. Her life was enriched by her remarkable friends of the “Bridge Group”, who played together for 60-plus years. Eloise instilled in her children the love of learning new things and hard work. She was noted for her kindness and laughter. Eloise spent the last four years of her life at Sunrise Senior Living being tended to with loving care. Her family wishes to especially thank Antoinette, Teresa, and Tiara.

Eloise is survived and dearly loved by her five children, Nancy and Michael Buchmeier, Susan and Lane Cash, John and Cathy Niederkorn, Linda and Steve Wight, and Jane Niederkorn and Jon Lanser; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Margaret Pattison.

There will be a graveside service for Eloise at 10:00 A.M. at Olivewood Memorial Park, 3300 Central Ave., Riverside, CA 92506, on February 22, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution to her favorite charities, the Assistance League, 3707 Sunnyside Dr. Riverside, CA 92506; Victoria Avenue Forever, PO Box 4152, Riverside, CA 92514; or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.