Eleanor Simons Willie Teel

Eleanor (92), known as mom to 5 children, grandma to 19, and great-grandma to 27, left this world just 64 days after her beloved husband, Joel.  Her family mourns the loss, but are happy she is reunited with the man she spent 63 blissful years with.
Eleanor was born the younger of two girls in Salt Lake City, Utah to Henry and Rhea Willie.  There was always extended family around and Eleanor grew up in a loving household where she was taught to be confident in who she was and what she could accomplish.  And those accomplishments knew no bounds!  
She attended Kindergarten through 9th grade at the W. M. Stewart School and then entered East High School where she graduated after 2 years.  Growing up she was a ballerina and later taught ballet.  She entered the University of Utah, and graduated in 1945 with a degree in Bacteriology and Clinical Pathology.  (at this time many male students had been drafted and were fighting in WW2) A fond memory for Eleanor was when she and Rhea worked mornings in the cafeteria feeding the soldiers breakfast.
When the war ended in August, Eleanor went to work at the county hospital in the bacteriology lab.  She eventually moved to San Francisco and work at the French Hospital, and later for a doctor in East Oakland. Eleanor and Joel met while visiting with her sister, Fran, and husband Carlyle.  Joel was a family friend and came to visit, where we like to think it was "love at first sight".  They became long distance friends for a year, and wed in 1954.
 Joel was a metallurgist and job opportunities took them all over to include: California, Montana, Chuquicamata, Chile (affectionately known as "Chuqui"), New York, Texas, and Arizona.  Eleanor always enjoyed traveling and looked at each move with enthusiasm and a chance to learn more about the country around her.  Many hours were spent seeing sights on long car trips.  Each place they lived stirs up memories and family stories that can go on for days and creates hours of laughter in recollection.  
Eleanor raised five children, giving each one a solid foundation built moral principles and love. Eleanor's tender heart went out to animals throughout her life.  From the two lambs she raised (Strawberry and Daniels) to the various dogs (Spotty I, Spotty II, and Cookie), she taught her children empathy.  Her service to friends and members of her church taught compassion.  Her kind correction-directed discipline taught patience and love.  Always putting her children first taught sacrifice.  When she became an EMT and firefighter at the age of 48, she taught determination.  Her deep friendships taught loyalty and kindness.  Her sweet sense of humor taught her children to love life.   Her love for genealogy and ancestors taught respect and the importance of remembering them.
Eleanor's life was one of example.  She didn't just teach, but was the embodiment of moral character.  Her legacy that lives on through her children and grandchildren will be felt forever.  While we will always miss her, we will go on remembering all the funny stories, antidotes, and jokes that she loved to tell.  And as such, when we think of Eleanor Teel, we will always have a smile on our lips and a twinkle in our eye.  
Funeral services for Eleanor will take place Monday, December 19, 2016 with a graveside service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, beginning at 2pm.  3401 South Highland Drive, SLC, UT 84106