Always smiling, always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors, dedicated to the enhancement of the community, Eleanor Hunting passed away in early July at the age of 99 after residing in the same Beaumont-Wilshire home for 65 years (4336 N.E. 40th Ave.). It was in that house that she and husband Len raised four children and later delighted in grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Professionally, Eleanor was influenced by her father (a teacher and principal), and taught for 20 years for the Portland School District in North Portland schools. She also served as president of the Beaumont School PTA from 1966-1977, including years when daughter Diane (now Diane Charlton) was a student there, and as leader of Diane’s Campfire Girl troop.
Brought up on a farm, Eleanor had a green thumb for gardening and loved living in verdant Beaumont-Wilshire. Accordingly, she took a special interest in the neighborhood, regularly attending BWNA general meetings, volunteering to assist at community events, and walking the neighborhood every other month as a volunteer newsletter distributor. An avid traveler, Eleanor eventually managed to visit all 50 states. Very spiritual in her personal life—by way of family upbringing and personal conviction—Eleanor was a lifelong director of religious education and collaborated with other religious educators in developing a Unitarian Universalist life-span peace and justice curriculum. Additionally, she and Len helped found Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist.
Bottom line: life mattered to Eleanor, and what mattered most was her family, church, community, the United Nations, and other humanitarian causes. Thus, among the values expressed in her “Philosophy of Life”—written for her 77th birthday—was the following commitment: To continually work for peace with justice in my family, church, school, community, and world.
Donations to Eleanor’s memory can be made to:
Spiritual: Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist, 1133 NE 181st Ave, Portland, OR 97230;
Global: United Nations Association, Portland Chapter, 6786 SW 204th, Aloha, OR 97078; or
Environmental: Portland Women’s Forum (mission is the preservation and beautification of the Columbia Gorge), 33702 E. Bell Rd, Corbett, OR 97019.