Genevieve Eleanor Mengel (goes by Eleanor) was born on July 24, 1924. She was the only child of William and Ida Keim, born in Easton, Pennsylvania.
At an early age, she became interested in playing the marimba. She would travel to NYC each week for lessons. As a teenager, she had fond memories of being in the Easton High School Band where she played percussion instruments. She had her own radio show, playing the marimba and percussion. She also joined a musical group and played at various events.
She married Bill Mengel at the age of 17. Bill was serving in the Army overseas during WWII. He was among the first drafted and served until the end of the war, keeping them apart for the first 5 years of their marriage. While he was overseas and sensing the end of the war was imminent, Bill wrote to Eleanor and told her to purchase a house. She did and when he returned home from Europe, they made their home in East Banger, PA.
Bill and Eleanor had two children, David and Darla (Lanier). Because of Bill's rheumatic fever, it was recommended they move to a warmer climate, which brought them to Winter Park when the children were still young.
They were one of the first members of Markham Woods Presbyterian Church and were active in the choir until they moved to Summerfield, Florida after retirement.
They eventually moved back to Lake Mary. Eleanor was a devoted wife to Bill and took great care of him as his heart condition worsened. They were married for 69 years when he died in January of 2011.
Eleanor briefly moved to Ohio after Bill's death to be closer to her son, David, and his children and grandchildren, but the extreme cold weather prompted her return to Florida.
For the last 5.5 years, she resided at the independent building of Oakmonte Village. She enjoyed the comforts of the facility and the nearness to her daughter Darla.
She was very proud of her five grandchildren - Becky, Kim, Will, Jennifer and Lindsay - and thirteen great grandchildren + one on the way.
In her 90's, she watched Jeopardy and completed crossword puzzles daily to keep her mind sharp, as she would tell you. She embraced technology and used her iPhone to text and Face Time with family and friends. She couldn't live without her laptop. She used it to email with her grandchildren and enjoyed pictures and videos of the great grandchildren that were shared. She also used it to connect with out of state friends and Bill's Army buddies.
Eleanor was a supportive and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her talents were not just limited to music. She was an exceptional cook and loved to prepare food for friends and family. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting and made many garments and blankets that will be treasured forever by the family.
Eleanor loved her family, friends and the Lord. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, Bill, and in the arms of our savior.
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