Obituaries
Eleanor D. Weidenhammer, 96
May 19, 1923 - April 12, 2020
Eleanor D. Weidenhammer (Ducky), 96, of Lancaster, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Luther Acres, Lititz. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late James Monroe and Phebe (Passmore) Duckworth. Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late James A. Weidenhammer, and they shared 40 years of marriage at the time of his passing in 2013.
After graduating from J.P. McCaskey High School, Eleanor attended business school and went on to work as the Secretary to the President of Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, retiring after almost 30 years of service. Eleanor traveled the world and enjoyed capturing her travels with her photography skills. After getting married and moving to Poughkeepsie, NY, she continued to travel the world with her husband Jim and toured extensively with his and their love of steam cars. She volunteered her time at the Vassar Hospital, at the Childrens Home in Poughkeepsie, where she also served as a Board Director, and she was also involved with the Dutchess County Historical Society. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends and was an avid golfer. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Eleanor is survived by her nephew, James P. Duckworth and his wife Debra C. of Ephrata. Also surviving are four great-nieces: Victoria Pipher, Jennifer Diehl, Kelley Scheirer, and Vanessa Meyer; and thru marriage, niece Nancy Goodyear, CA, Christopher Smith, TX, and Curtis Smith, NY; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased in death by her brother, James Monroe Duckworth.
Due to the unfortunate events surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, services for Eleanor will be private at the convenience of the family. Eleanor will be laid to rest next to her husband at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Eleanor’s memory be made to the Luther Acres Benevolent Fund, 600 East Main Street, Lititz PA, 17543.
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Condolences to the Family
April 24, 2020
Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Jimmy were like my third pair of grandparents growing up. Their visits to California were some of my fondest memories, from them pushing my brother and I on the swings to taking day trips to San Francisco. Their sense humors and stories will never be forgotten. I am so grateful I was able to make trips out to New York and Pennsylvania to spend time with them in my adult years. They were an amazing couple and I am honored to call them family. Until we meet again.
Jennifer Goodyear
April 24, 2020
Aunt Eleanor was a huge part of my childhood and adult life. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her and my Uncle Jimmy. We spent so much time together at my grandparents(Elliot and Mary Smith). My favorite picture of Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Eleanor was hung on my grandparent’s refrigerator. It was a picture of them on a white water rafting trip. My Uncle Jimmy enjoyed spending time at my grandparents home because she cooked him whatever he wanted. Aunt Eleanor would always tell my Grandma Mary that she spoiled Uncle Jimmy too much. Aunt Eleanor was witty, strong, fearless and extremely smart. One of my favorite memories was when she brought all 5 great nieces and nephew to their home in Pougkeepsie. She never had any children of her own but she seemed undaunted with having us all there. She was an amazing woman and I hope that my family and I live up to the amazing example they set for us.
We love and Miss you,
Alicia, Scott, Kaitlyn, Eleanor and Sean
April 24, 2020
The memories we had with Aunt Eleanor will never be forgotten. I will never forget all of the summers we spent with Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Jimmy. The summer they had all 5 of us cousins at the same time. Riding aroud in the steam car and going to the Nutcracker Ballet were some of the best of times. She bought me my first pair of Jorache jeans …. which was a big deal in high school. It was so much fun seeing them many times a year in Whitney Point. Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Jimmy would always have us laughing while sitting around the table to hear funny stories about their adventures. She will be missed dearly and I know Uncle Jimmy will be happy she has joined him in heaven.
Carrie Smith (daughter of Christopher Smith)
April 24, 2020
Our dearest Aunt Eleanor,
We miss you, we love you, and we know you are at peace now. We are sure that Uncle Jimmy is happy to see you. We are here.
Much love,
Chris and Kimberley Smith; Carrie Smith; Alicia and Scott Lee with Eleanor and Sean; Heather and Henry Dedrick with Emma and Ethan.
April 24, 2020
Eleanor was a part of my childhood and was one of those influential persons who helped shape me into an adult. Her relationship with my Mom was was a highlight that I enjoyed and found to be instructive and fun. I miss her greatly.
Curtis J Smith
April 24, 2020
Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Jimmy will always be remembered in my life. From visits to the train museum to history lessons to golfing, they always were fun people to be around and to have insightful conversations with. Eleanor never missed a birthday and would always be around to talk to and to share what was happening in our lives. She will be greatly missed in our family.
Jason, Molly, Chloe and Jameson Goodyear
April 24, 2020
I will never forget the memories riding in the steam cars, and the summers we spent time with you. The waterpark, and Uncle Jimmy and myself on the roller coaster. Your wit and sense of humor brought many laughs. You will be greatly missed. I am glad you are back with uncle Jimmy.
Love,
Heather
April 24, 2020
We love you Aunt Eleanor and we’re happy that you’re reunited with Uncle Jimmy. We miss you so much.
Zach, Shannon, Elliott and Charlie Smith
April 24, 2020
Words can’t express what Aunt Eleanor meant to my husband- Bob and I and our children, Jason and Jennifer. There are so many fond memories of times spent with her and my Uncle Jimmy- her late husband. She was a woman of many talents and it was always delightful to spend time with her and I miss our frequent long conversations. She and Uncle Jimmy were like another set of grandparents to our twins when they were younger. We miss her so much and have comfort and peace in the fact, there is no more suffering, and she is reunited with Uncle Jimmy.
Nancy Weidenhammer Goodyear
April 19, 2020
Aunt Eleanor was always a huge part of our lives. She loved us all so dearly and showed us what it meant to respect and have fun in a relationship. She was the elder role model in my life as well as an inspiration to everyone her heart touched. We are sad to see her leave us, but happy she will be with the love of her life and best friend Uncle Jim. Say hi to him for us!! Till one day we will meet again…
The Scheirer Family
Brandon, Kelley, Nolan, and Stella
April 14, 2020
Aunt Eleanor was an integral member of the Smith-Weidenhammer family in Whitney Point, New York. She spent weekly calls with her sister-in-law, Mary Weidenhammer Smith and was loved by the entire family. She will be missed and remembered as nothing less than the respected and loved Aunt Eleanor.
Kimberley Feldman-Smith
