BAR MILLS- Eleanor Dunnell, 94, passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2018 in Saco.
Eleanor grew up in Millinocket, Maine, raised by her grandparents, John Allen Gaskin and Roxanna Gaskin, whom she loved dearly. She graduated from Stearns High School.
Eleanor served in the US Army during World War II where she met and married Emil Dunnell, a veteran of the Pacific theater. After the war, she and her husband returned to his hometown of Buxton, Maine, where they raised their son John Allen and lived next door to their grandchildren Brian and John.
A talented cook, a professional seamstress, and a department manager for Grants Department Store, Eleanor was a women of many talents. An avid consumer of news and politics, Eleanor never shied away from sharing her political opinions or philosophical views.
A devoted wife and mother, Eleanor worked hard to ensure that her son received the opportunities that she did not. She attended every one of her son’s basketball and baseball games often speaking of his athletic accomplishments. She took great pride in his achievements, especially his graduation from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his success as a Senior Project Manager for Cianbro Corporation.
Eleanor’s great joy was her two grandchildren whom she supported without question. She worked hard to teach them the value of education and the importance of ‘having a mind of your own.’ She pushed her grandsons to reach their full potential and be the best men they could be.
In later life, Eleanor devoted herself to caring for her aging husband. After his death, she often spoke of him, telling people her only desire was to see him again and make him one more pot of coffee.
Eleanor is survived by her son John Dunnell, her daughter-in-law Deborah Dunnell, her grandchildren Brian and John Dunnell, and by her sisters Alta Peters and Lorraine Boyington of Millinocket, Maine.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday Oct. 20 at 12 noon at South Buxton Cemetery.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com