Eleanor Hardwicke Steele

Born February 1, 1926 In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Colin and Beatrice Ould Hardwicke, Eleanor passed away on June 28, 2008. She lived in Canada until the age of nine when her family moved to Linares, Coahuila, Mexico. Eleanor graduated valedictorian from the Holding Institute in Laredo, Texas and was attending nursing school in San Antonio when she met and married Edward Walter Tynan III, with whom she had seven children.

Following Walter's untimely death at age 38, Eleanor raised their seven children with unsurpassed strength and grace. She preserved family closeness and tradition with her late husband's sisters and brother, Ann Tynan Carpenter, Mary Tynan and Richard Tynan. Her home was a place of warmth, acceptance, great conversation and celebration for family and friends.

Always an example, Eleanor returned to school while raising her children, received an Associate Degree in Library Science and worked as a Library Technician at San Antonio College until her retirement in 1991. She inspired her children to pursue college, post-graduate degrees and professional certifications.

In 1980 she married John William Steele, a long time family friend. Eleanor had 28 wonderful years with John traveling and enjoying their combined, ever-growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eleanor suffered the loss of her son Dennis Colin "Dink" Tynan to an accident in 1986. With her usual courage and compassion she consented for her son to be the donor for the first heart transplant in South Texas.

She is survived by her loving husband, John, her children and their spouses Kathleen Tynan Hairston David, Tim Tynan Annette, Tricia Tynan Legler James, Molly Tynan Perry William, Christy Tynan Wells Dave, and Sarah Tynan Ream Brad and seven grandchildren: Andrew, Megan, Ryan, Dylan, Carolyn, Christian and Eleanor; brothers Dr. Norman Hardwicke of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and Gerald Hardwicke of Houston; stepsons John Steel, Jr. Sue and Charles Edward Steele Elise, four step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

Eleanor's humility, integrity and spirituality were an example to all who knew her. She was an active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, a community volunteer, and an avid reader who enjoyed travel, bird watching and daily walks.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 103 S. Frio, San Antonio, TX 78207.