Eleanor Maren

Eleanor A. Maren, a fiercely independent woman with an unwavering commitment to her family and friends, fitness, music, and faith, passed away at the age of 91. She lived a life marked by dedication, love, and an indomitable spirit.

Born and raised on Staten Island, Eleanor attended Port Richmond High School, where her personality and determination, along with her love of music, shone brightly. She grew up in a boisterous home filled with love and challenges, but as the only girl and the youngest she received both a lot of attention and a lot of teasing. Although the family had very little and struggled, they were close. Her mother, Marion, worked as a shipbuilder in Bayonne NJ, during World War II. After graduating high school, Eleanor embarked on a wonderful career journey, joining JP Morgan, now JP Morgan Chase. Throughout decades of service, Eleanor's diligence and competence led her to rise to the esteemed position of Executive Assistant for the Chair of the Board, where her contributions were invaluable. Following her retirement, she took classes at Pace University; lifelong learning and improving herself were both integral to Eleanor, although she never boasted about it. She spent decades as a member of Faith United Methodist Church.

Eleanor was deeply committed to her family, her neighborhood, her circle of friends, and her faith. Her independent nature was matched only by her love and loyalty to those she held dear. Eleanor also taught herself to fix almost everything in her home and yard and was proud – although she would never admit it – of having figured it out for herself.

Filled with strength and vitality, Eleanor was dedicated to health and fitness. She was a well-known and beloved figure at the YMCA, where she worked out twice a day, swimming, taking aerobic classes, and taking strength classes She walked everywhere in her neighborhood and was a familiar site to all her neighbors and the local businesses on Forest Avenue. After a bout with cancer in 2018, nurses came into her room to find her doing wall push-ups and squats the day after her surgery. Nothing kept her down! Even after her stroke in January of 2022, she continued to embody resilience, despite the toll the stroke took on her.

She maintained a great sense of humor and would often joke with visitors and the staff at Golden Gate Rehabilitation Center, who came to love her for her kindness and interest in their lives.

Music was another passion that enriched Eleanor's life. A gifted pianist, she shared her talent generously with family, friends, and her church community. Fond memories were created each Christmas as loved ones gathered around her piano, united in song and celebration. She was an avid reader and spent many hours at the New York Public Library, where she will also be missed.

Eleanor leaves behind cherished memories that will forever be treasured by her nieces, nephews, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering determination will continue to inspire all who were touched by her presence.

Eleanor’s mother, Marion Anderson, and her father Reinhold Anderson, predeceased her, as did her brothers, Gene, Al, Norm, Bob, and Don. She is survived by many wonderful friends, and loving nieces and nephews Lauren C. Anderson, Susan Anderson Bonamo, Bruce D. Anderson, Roberta Anderson Hudon, Eugenie Anderson, Janet Anderson Hinojosa, Everett Anderson, Ren Anderson, Leslie Anderson, Donora Anderson Enriquez, and Brett Anderson, along with 22 great nieces and nephews and 9 great-great nieces and nephews. Eleanor’s nephews Allan and Jeffrey, and niece Ellen, predeceased her.

In honoring Eleanor's memory, we will celebrate a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever resonate in our hearts.

Visitation will be at 9:00am, Saturday, April 6, 2024, with a service at 10:00am. Her burial will follow immediately thereafter at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New York Public Library or Faith United Methodist Church.