Eleanor Waterman

Eleanor, wined and dined with the rich, powerful and famous at entertainment establishments around the world. She loved to host social gatherings and was an active member of Keene’s Welcome Wagon. Family and friends fondly remember the non-stop dinner parties which were complimented, the following morning, with a bountiful brunch. Her friends at American House recall her love for their social hours, bus trips, and her gregarious nature to engage them in conversations. The staff of the Keene Center (Genesis) acknowledge that Eleanor’s desire to control her own life was present from the moment they met her until she passed.

As an accomplished storyteller, her linear narratives would capture her audience as she shared her insight with others. Eleanor was an avid shopper who liked to surprise her loved ones with unexpected gifts. Her daughters enjoyed their traditional early morning “Black Friday” bargain shopping sprees. The best deals and coupons were “studied” then a course for productivity was charted.

While raising her family, Eleanor worked part time with Franklin Pierce College but, her focus was always upon her housewife and home front responsibilities. Upon the passing of her husband, she assumed ownership and management of E&R Distributors. Employees appreciated her willingness to roll up her sleeves and lead by example. Following her retirement, in honor of her humble origin from the Bronx, she was known to respectfully donate her time at local shelters and food kitchens.

Eleanor was born in Bronx, NY, October 15, 1937, daughter of Mary Lanzer. Eleanor lovingly provided end-of-life care for; her mother Mary Lanzer, her husband Elliot Waterman, and her sister Pauline Olsen, before they joined Eleanor’s, already deceased sister, Mary Hatchet in their rest. Her sole surviving sister, Regina Hennen, joins us with the sorrow of her passing. Eleanor will be greatly missed by her 5 children Thomas Travers and wife Carol of Nelson, Nancy Whitney and husband Doug of Surry, Lisa Lohman and husband Garry of St Augustine, FL, Robert Travers and partner Theresa Watts of Orange City, FL, and Stephen Waterman of Rhode Island. Her grandchildren played an important role in her later years as she guided them, with strong maternal instincts, toward their goals. Her 9 grandchildren were Gregory Lohman, Garron Lohman, Janelle Sartorio, Samantha Carey, Ginsey Stone, Elexis Robertson, Erin Waterman, Kelly Waterman and Ethen Waterman. Others, who will be missing her, are 5 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and her lifelong friends Pat Stewart and Elaine Freidman and honorary son, Dennis Mark Roy.

Calling hour will be held on Tuesday, May 9th from 9 to 11 AM at Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St, Keene, NH. Mass will follow at 12 pm at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 185 Main Street, Keene, NH.

Burial will take place at Monadnock View Cemetery, 451 Park Ave, Keene, NH, on Wednesday, May 10th at 9 am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Troy Helping Hand, PO Box 240, Troy, NH 03465 or 100 Nights Shelter, 17 Lamson St, Keene, NH 03431.