Obituary of Eleanor Smith Elliott

Eleanor Smith Elliott, aged 95, slid peacefully into eternal sleep on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center, content to join her beloved Bill. Eleanor was born on March 18, 1917 in Cortland, NY and attended Cortland High School and the Cortland Normal School, graduating with a teaching certificate. As young teenagers in the early 1930s, Eleanor and her sister Betty had their own radio music show. When offered an opportunity to take their show to a nightclub, their mother stepped in with an emphatic no.She married her best friend and life-long love, William Elliott, on July 3, 1941. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the European Theatre of Operations for 2-1/2 years.After her children were in school, Eleanor returned to SUNY Cortland in her 40s to complete a bachelors degree in education. She spent nearly 30 years teaching elementary school, the majority of that at Randall School in Cortland. She was a member of the Cortland Country Club, where she enjoyed golf and bridge. Eleanor and Bill were avid ballroom dancers, and were known to have others clear the dance floor just to watch them.In addition to her husband Bill, Eleanor was predeceased by her parents Philip and Pearl Smith. Memories of her will remain with her children, Cynthia Hutchens (Ken deceased) of Midlothian, VA; Susan Meath (Michael) of Fayettville, NY; and William, III (Debi) of Portland, OR; 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, her sister, Elizabeth Phillips, as well as several nieces and nephews.Private funeral arrangements are being handled by Wright-Beard Funeral Home in Cortland. Per Eleanors request, there will be no formal services.The family would like to thank the staffs at Walden Place and Cortland Regional Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their patience and sense of humor during our mothers stays. She was comfortable and happy under their care.to offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Dear Cindy and family; So sorry to hear about your mother passing away. I remember her as being very kind and generous when we were kids growing up. She was a great Girl Scout leader. I remember staying overnight at your house many times. Too bad we lost contact over all these years. I often wondered where you ended up. I have always stayed in the Cortland area. If you are going to be in town for a few days maybe we could get togethet for coffee someplace or if not send me an email sometime. I'd love to hear from you. Doris Barrows Preston Dear Susan & Family, My husband & I have just returned from North Carolina. I was deeply saddened to read of the death of your Mom. On my volunteer days, I will miss going to see what your Mom's latest reading materials and "chocolates" were. We had some wonderful times reminiscing about our teaching days at Randall School. She was a lovely lady, who always had a smile on her face. She will be missed. Pat Brooks Cindy and Family, I am so saddened by the passing of your Mom. I met her when I was visiting my Mom at the Nursing Home. Your Mom enjoyed sitting out in the hall, so we chatted every night when I came to visit my mother. It was always such a pleasure to see her. She was always so upbeat. Your Mom sat at the same table as my Mom in the dining room. My mother was having a diffult time making the transition to living in the nursing home. My mother began to look forward to going to the dining room to chat with your mother. We will forever be grateful to her. Your mother's eyes sparkled when she spoke of Susie coming to visit. Your mother's birthday and my mother's birthday were two days apart. Your mother enjoyed celebrating her birthday with Susie. Cindy, your Mom and Tink and I talked about your 50th class reunion coming up this summer. We were all hoping you would be coming for it. Your mother was so looking forward to seeing you. Susie, I had hoped to meet you, but we came at different times during the day. I'm so glad I got to know your Mom. We all miss her so very much. Just know that we're all sharing your grief. Mary Our deepest sympathies. Many of us worked with Eleanor over the years. Cortland Area Retired Teachers' Association Cousins- I last saw your Mom about 2 years ago,with Marcia, we had a nice visit and a old memories tour. I have been in Florida for 5 years helping my in laws-wouldnr change a thing. Take care of yourselves Love. Georgia. Miss Smith was our 6th grade teacher at Dryden Central School. And she was a very kind and happy teacher; all 20+ of us loved her. I believe that she got to be "Mrs Elliott" at this time, so maybe that was part of the reason she was so happy!!! She prepared us well for high school. Elsie Gutchess, Dryden