Eleanor M Brownell

Schenectady-Eleanor M Brownell , 96 died September 18,2010 at the Dutch Manor Nursing Home, Schenectady NY. Eleanor was born in Scotia NY on May 3, 1914, 23 hours after her twin brother Elwin who died in November of 1996. Eleanor and Elwin had the rare distinction of being born in Scotia NY, a town without a hospital. Eleanor's Scotia birth was the result of the largest documented flooding of the Mohawk River, which had occurred on March 27 and 28, 1914, washing out every bridge crossing the river for 40 miles. A doctor was brought across the river from Schenectady in a rowboat, and the twins were born at home. Eleanor often reflected of her childhood years and the adventures she shared with her twin during their many visits, and summers spent, with her grandparents in Barnerville, NY. She was also proud of the responsibility she took in always monitoring carefully her brothers every action and decision, intervention he found vexing, but his rebellion went unnoticed and unheeded by Eleanor. Eleanor was a creature of habit having lived in the same house on Hazelwood Av. in Schenectady for 83 years until she was 92. She worked for the same employer, General Electric, as a librarian for 46 1/2 years retiring in 1981. She was one of the founding members of Broadway Methodist Church, where she was also member of the "Woman's Guild". She remained a member of the church for over 80 years until the church closed a few years ago. She bowled weekly in a league for several decades until in her early 70'5. She reflected amazement when pin boys were replaced by machines. She drove her car to a different fast food restaurant almost daily until giving up her license at age 92. Eleanor never married and is survived by a nephew Gary Brownell(Patricia) of Clifton Park, NY, a niece Cathy Lewis(Gregory) of Lancaster, California. Two grandnieces, Sarah Brownell and Christa Wilary, and four grandnephews Eric Brownell, Barton Lewis, Steven Lewis, David Lewis and three great grand nieces. Eleanor loved children and always had an outing or activity planned. Several generations of children benefited from her kindness, caring and generosity. She was loved in return by all that knew her and will be missed, although most of her many friends have predeceased her. Eleanor had a zest for life she never lost. She looked forward to her weekly visits during the three years she lived at Dutch Manor, from her nephew and family, which usually included a delivery of tacos, burgers and fries, Chinese food, pizza or KFC. Eleanor traveled extensively with her niece and nephew and their families. She made her first trip to Europe at age 92 and had also joined her family on vacations to Alaska, Mexico, and Central America. She was proud that at age 90 she was the oldest person aboard a Princess Cruise bound for Hawaii. Eleanor's family, on her behalf, would like to thank the staff of Dutch Manor and Schenectady Hospice for their special care and compassion. Funeral services will be Wednesday 11AM at the Bond Funeral Home Broadway and Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Calling Hour will be 10-11am prior to the service at the funeral home. Internment will be in Schenectady Memorial park in Rotterdam. Online condolences at www.bondfuneralhome.com.