VERO BEACH, Fla. — Eleanor M. Sunderlin of Fort Pierce, Fla., formerly of Jefferson Township, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, in Indian River Medical Center. She was 88.
Mrs. Sunderlin was born March 11, 1921, in Fredonia, a daughter of Earl and Mabel Baer Smith.
She was a 1938 graduate of the former Fredonia High School where she was a member of the championship girls basketball team. Eleanor later graduated with a teaching degree in English, Latin and French from Thiel College, Greenville.
She was a teacher at both the former Fredonia High School and at Reynolds High School, serving the latter as president of the teachers’ association.
She was a member of Fredonia United Methodist Church.
Her husband, James L. Sunderlin, whom she married June 19, 1943, preceded her in death Dec. 29, 1996.
Eleanor loved her family and treasured the moments she could spend with each of them. She enjoyed sewing, tailoring clothes and participating in 5K races, having won many awards in the “60 years and over” class.
She is survived by: two sons, James M. Sunderlin and his wife Linda, Fredonia; and William A. Sunderlin, Fort Pierce; a sister, Ruth Smith Jones, Enka, N.C.; five grandchildren, Jennifer Shellenbarger and her husband Dave; Christopher Sunderlin; Galen Watson and her husband Dustin; and Morgan and Aaron Sunderlin; and two great-grandchildren, Ava and Lila Shellenbarger.
In addition to her husband of 52 years, James, Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Boyd Smith.
SUNDERLIN
Mrs. James L. (Eleanor M.), 88, Fort Pierce, Fla., formerly of Jefferson Township.
Calling hours: Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday (11-22-09) in ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 169 Second St., Fredonia. The online guest register may be signed at www.rlsfh.com
Service: Funeral and committal service at 11 a.m. Monday (11-23-09) in the funeral home.
Interment: Will follow at Delaware (Township) Cemetery.
